These unusual and rare insects fly during April in the Hill Country among cedar groves and can be collected using light traps. Clusters of about 1,000 eggs, attached to short transparent stalks, are laid on leaves or other surfaces. Eggs hatch in 11 to 30 days. Two later stages are grub-like while feeding on their host s offspring. Fully grown larvae spin cocoons and pupate inside their last larval skin.
Adults occur year-round, especially in summer and fall.
Mouthparts are for chewing. Later stages are external parasites of spider egg sacs, and perhaps bee or wasp larvae. They are also cannibalistic. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.