Spider Wasp - Schmidt Pain Index

Schmidt Pain Index

In 1984, Joseph O. Schmidt, a researcher from Arizona, developed a hymenopteran sting pain scale, now known as the Schmidt sting pain index. In this index, a 0 is given to a sting from an insect that can not break through human skin, a 2 is given for intermediate pain, and a 4 is given for intense pain. The scale rates stings from 78 different species in 42 different genera. Spider wasps of the genus Pepsis, also known as tarantula hawks, have a sting rating of 4. The sting is described as "blinding, fierce, and shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has been dropped into your bubble bath." Only the bite of the Bullet Ant, Paraponera clavata, is ranked higher, with a 4+ rating.

• Spider wasp flying with prey

• Anoplius viaticus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) with prey Nuctenea umbratica (Clerck) (Arachnida: Araneidae), England UK

• Unidentified species of spider wasp hunting in Texas, United States

• Spider wasp with its prey near Heemstede, The Netherlands

• Spider wasp attacking huntsman spider in Sydney, Australia

• A pompilid from Bangalore

• A Western Australian pompilid has captured a large huntsman spider.

• A pompilid has captured a spider in Quito Ecuador.

• The anaesthetised spider is carried up to a nest in the roof.

• A spider wasp is dragging its captured prey in Sydney, Australia.