by applewood

First of all, just take a look at this guy. He's got a paintjob and a profile that could rival any sports car.

But they're not all just looks. Some of them are clever as heck.

One species of spider wasp protects its nests by putting dead ants into the outermost chamber, where the ants' chemicals deter predators.

Link

I mean, if you're afraid of spiders in general, spider wasps are kind of super heroes then, aren't they? Like, really scary super heroes, but if super heroes were real, they'd be scary anyway. Guys like The Punisher and Batman are psychopaths and guys like Iron Man and Superman wield more power than any individual should. So yeah, scary super heroes. And look, if black widows are the Jokers of the world, here's your Batman. Seriously, just look at these guys. They're bad ass. What's that? You want another awesome close up? Then check out this Mexican Honey Wasp. Freaking. Sweet.

If you like the way that dude looks, then actually read the Wikipedia Article on them. The little guys are straight up nifty. What's that? You're wondering why they're talking about kin in that article? Because apparently scientists love studying wasps for those kinds of things. Don't believe me? Then check out the Wikipedia article for this single species. It's got all sorts of juicy concepts in it from Polyembrony to reproductive altruism to kin discrimination.

Okay, yeah, some of them sting. Sure. In fact, some can pack quite the wallop.

One researcher described the pain as "...immediate, excruciating, unrelenting pain that simply shuts down one's ability to do anything, except scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations."

but as bad as that sounds the pain is temporary and

Aside from the possibility of triggering an allergic reaction, the sting is not dangerous and does not require medical attention. Local redness appears in most cases after the pain, and lasts for up to a week.

Link

But come on, you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone.

Seriously, they're so awesome that nature has kept them around for millions of years. They're pollinators. They're natural pest control. They're beautiful and fierce and delicate and powerful. They're straight up amazing.

I could probably ramble about them all day. But, seriously, look into them, check them out, you might find yourself surprised by how cool they really are.