52 



THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



WASP FACES TARANTULA FOR A DUEL TO THE DEATH 



Alighting between the frightened spider and its burrow, the tarantula hawk (page SO) holds 

 her victim at bay. Each is able to kill the other, for one carries a high-voltage sting and the other 

 has powerful jaws. But the odds are heavily in favor of the eager, confident wasp. 





Phntographs b.v Lee Pa^niore 

 ONE THRUST OF THE HIGH-POWERED STING AND THE FIGHT IS OVER 



By a quick strike— the speed of which has been likened to the snap of an electric spark— the tarantula 

 hawk has paralyzed its adversary. The big spider now lies inert and entirely helpless. 



