spider wasp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spider wasp” mean?
A type of wasp that hunts and paralyzes spiders to use as food for its larvae.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of wasp that hunts and paralyzes spiders to use as food for its larvae.
Any wasp of the family Pompilidae, known for capturing and immobilizing spiders as part of their reproductive behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; primarily pronunciation and minor spelling variations in related texts.
Connotations
None significant; both dialects refer to the same insect with neutral connotation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, mostly in specialized discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “spider wasp” in a Sentence
prey on spiderslay eggs on paralyzed spiderssting and immobilizeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spider wasp” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spider-wasp behaviour is quite intriguing.
American English
- She observed spider wasp hunting techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in pest control or ecological consulting reports.
Academic
Common in biology, entomology, and ecology research papers.
Everyday
Used in conversations about insects, gardening, or wildlife observations.
Technical
Standard term in entomology for wasps in the family Pompilidae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spider wasp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spider wasp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spider wasp”
- Mispronouncing as 'spider warp' or confusing with tarantula hawks (a related type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Spider wasps are generally not aggressive towards humans and stings are rare, usually occurring only if provoked.
It stings spiders to paralyze them, then buries them with its eggs so the larvae can consume the spider alive.
They are distributed worldwide, particularly in warm, temperate regions and diverse habitats like forests and gardens.
Yes, they help control spider populations and contribute to ecological balance as natural predators.
A type of wasp that hunts and paralyzes spiders to use as food for its larvae.
Spider wasp is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spider wasp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdə wɒsp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdər wɑːsp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wasp that spins a tale of terror for spiders—spider wasp.
Conceptual Metaphor
The spider wasp as a precision hunter or natural assassin.
Practice
Quiz
What best describes a spider wasp?