The insects pictured are Tarantula Hawks. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantula_hawk
"The tarantula hawk is relatively docile and rarely stings without provocation. However, the sting, particularly of P. formosa, is among the most painful of any insect, though the intense pain only lasts about three minutes.[3] Commenting on his own experience, Justin Schmidt described the pain as "…immediate, excruciating pain that simply shuts down one's ability to do anything, except, perhaps, scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations."[2] In terms of scale, the wasp's sting is rated near the top of the Schmidt sting pain index, second only to that of the bullet ant, and is described by Schmidt as "blinding, fierce [and] shockingly electric".[4]"
First time poster, by the way. I have lurked regularly, and enjoy the pictures and write-ups. I'm based in southern NV and have wheeled extensively down here.
Holy cow!! Had I known, I wouldn't have been stuck my face right next to them :crazyeyes: