Got ya !! by Enmos

Photography • Macro • posted on Aug 01, 2005

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Description

Thanks for viewing !! :o) - A Bee-Killer Wasp, the Bee-Wolf (Philanthus triangulum) The nests are established in loose "colonies" in sandy soil and their notorious predation of bees is quite fascinating to watch. The female wasps capture feeding bees, sting them in order to induce paralysis and then carry the bees back to their nests slung underneath their bodies and clamped in position (upside-down) by the middle pair of legs. The wasps relocate their nests even if they have been disturbed and then open up the entrances with their front legs (often with the captive bees still in situ) before carrying the prey deep into their burrows and stocking up their larders. It is interesting to note that a paralysed bee will not be taken by another wasp even if is left temporarily unguarded. - I disturbed this Bee-wolf and it dropped its bee while fleeing from me. I noticed it, picked the bee up and laid it on the patch of sand, then i waited. After a minute or so the wasp returned, picked up the bee, flew to its burrow and dissapeared :o) So you see the bee was paralysed not dead... ;o) - Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my last upload, "Ah... there it is..." !! -- Many thanks, Jeroen

Comments (43)

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pm_hackworth

4:44PM | Mon, 01 August 2005

Very informative and amazing. One vote for intriging us...one vote for the amazing information, one vote for the excellent capture! WOW! Sad but wow!

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Margana

6:53PM | Mon, 01 August 2005

Always fascinating and informative,your uploads take us into another world.Just like,'The secret life of plants',you bring us 'the secret life of insects'.Wonderful as always to see your work.-M :)

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odie

7:45PM | Mon, 01 August 2005

The conclusion! Yes! Thank you so much for the info and pics to go along with it! If you want to teach biology in my area, just say the word! :0)

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maggiemai

9:02PM | Mon, 01 August 2005

Awww...hehehe I see things so differently now since joining this group. It's as if my eyes are open to things they didn't see before! You have been a large part of that Jeroen and I thank you!! This was a superb and interesting..and fun ...series. :-) This shot is incredible! The light and the colors on the wings...just a beautiful photo!! Bravo and a huge vote!! V*

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watapki66

12:27AM | Tue, 02 August 2005

Oh, violence! Wonderful information and a fantastic image! But my heart slows!

cynlee

1:58AM | Tue, 02 August 2005

ooooooooooooh!!! would've never guessed it but now it makes sense... pretty strong too... enjoyed the short documentary & always the super photography! :]

pimbotin

3:02AM | Tue, 02 August 2005

Personnally, if I had to choose, I think I would prefer to be dead! Extraordinary work and reportage, dear, bravo!!!

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sossy

3:04PM | Tue, 02 August 2005

what a story! amazing light and teriffic details of the ground! gorgeous photo! ;o)

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tesla

2:50PM | Wed, 03 August 2005

Looks like it is lunch time!!!Xlent macro!!!

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tizjezzme

9:33PM | Wed, 03 August 2005

wow ... interesting ending to this story. :) My daughter loves watching this stuff .. and of course, she drags me out there to see. lol This was a fun series... thanks for sharing. :)

KiwiMiss

1:14AM | Sun, 07 August 2005

But it is now I bet :( Intriguing mini series of the realities of life and of course your always amazing macros :))

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