Orange Spider-wasp

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Orange Spider-wasp

Orange Spider-wasp

Cryptocheilus bicolor

Female wasps prepare nest chambers for their larvae by digging a burrow using long spines on their front legs.

Details Description
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Insect - Wasp
Identifying Characteristics

Females can be up to 35 mm in length, males are smaller. The head, legs and antennae are black and orange-yellow. The thorax and eyes are dark brown to black. The wings are orange-brown.
Distinctive Markings

Broad orange bands on the black abdomen.
Diet

Carnivore. Prey includes Huntsman spiders and Wolf spiders.
Habitat

Urban areas, forests and woodlands, wetlands and heath.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Bites/Sting
Causes a burning pain and swelling.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hymenoptera
Family
Pompilidae
Genus
Cryptocheilus
Species
bicolor
Orange Spider-wasp
Found throughout Australia.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.