Wasp Beetle by Enmos

Photography • Macro • posted on Nov 30, 2006

Open full image in new tab Zoom on image

Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.

Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.

Description

Thanks for viewing ! Wasp Beetle ( Clytus arietis ) Bodylength: 6-15 mm Months seen: May - July Description The Wasp Beetle is quite aptly-named as, to a casual glance, it does resemble a wasp. However, a closer look will reveal typical beetle characteristics in body type and behaviour. It belongs to the sub-family of Long-horn Beetles. Colour-wise, the wasp beetle shares the same warning pattern as its un-related namesake. The basic background is black, with a symmetrical pattern of yellow bands and slashes running laterally across the body or obliquely from the centre of the back. The legs are orange-brown, the two hind pairs rather longer than the front. The antennae are brown with black tips. Habitat The wasp beetle is found mainly in deciduous woodland where there are plenty of open glades with flowers. Behaviour The larvae of the wasp beetle feed on the wood of deciduous trees, which have been invaded by a particular species of fungus. The adults emerge in May and feed on the pollen of different species of flowers, the females occasionally taking insects to provide extra protein for egg-production. The adult beetles have a short life and most have died by the end of the summer. Wasp beetles practice what is known as 'protective-colouration', mimicking a more aggressive species of animal. As well as the wasp-like markings on their bodies, they also copy the wasps

Comments (23)

)

efron_241

7:04AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

brrr horror Nightmares they give us !

kjpweb

7:13AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

Cool one! Thanks for sharing and the info on that beetle - I would have taking it for a wasp.

)

ralfy

7:22AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

Interesting Info and brillint macro shot! exorbitant colors!

)

babuci

8:04AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

Crisp and sharp macro excelent info..thanks!

)

ultimatemale

8:07AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

brilliant compo & focus

)

Biffowitz

8:07AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

Wow, some sharp detail here. Thanks for the background info, I never knew such a beetle existed!

)

Zacko

8:42AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

OH MY GOD!!! The clarity!!! OH THE CLARITY!!!! Amazing quality buddy. And such a nasty wasp it is. That one dont look too friendly. I wouldnt even approach that one with a 400mm lense....definitly not with a macro at hand, lol. Have a great evening! #:o)

)

st_fish

9:49AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

I agree with andreas - THE CLARITY is the MOST amazing - look at the grain of the wood! The textures and fibres! And the wasps body - the little hairs - AMAZING!!! Excellent photography! Well done! 8;o)

)

Chaos911

9:55AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

super work!!! excellently done!!! :)

)

Apophis906

11:08AM | Thu, 30 November 2006

Oh wow, never have seen one, and what a photo to get to see one with. Awesome shot for sure.

)

short_ribs

12:24PM | Thu, 30 November 2006

rubs eyes This is incredible buddy! Amazing colors and as Andreas mentioned the clarity truly is amazing! Excellent photography and an awesome beetle makes for some special photography! Thanks for sharing :) Hope you are keeping well!

)