T. analis is a medium-sized to large wasp with females in mainland China measuring between 16 and 21 mm, while the smaller males measure 11 mm in length; island populations tend to be smaller.

[4] It is almost completely black except for the last four, in females, or last five , in males, metasomal segments, which are bright orange or red[4] and give rise to the common name, red-tailed spider wasp.

T. anailis preys on spiders from the families Sparassidae, Agelenidae, and Amaurobiidae.

[4] The prey is placed in a conical cavity excavated by the female, which may fold its legs to fit it in, and once oviposition has taken place the spoil is used to cover the nest, although pre-existing cavities may also be used.

As in other spider wasps, the males often patrol the nesting areas so that they can mate with the newly emerged females.