Although tarantula hawks utilize immobilized tarantulas as a first meal for their offspring, pollen from flowers is also an important food.
In the world there is no group of animals more diverse than insects and the same is true at Bandelier. From the beauty of a gossamer- winged butterfly to a hairy multi-legged tarantula or a sleek orange-winged tarantula hawk, insects are abundant in the park.
Did You Know?
Most rattlesnakes bites are "dry" bites in which little or no venom is produced. That doesn't mean you want to get bit. Keep your distance if you encounter a rattlesnake while hiking.