Foraging by Chipka
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Description
Great Black Wasps are the largest wasps in North America; they’re distinct in that they’re…well …big. Unlike honeybees and other wasp species, they fly with their legs dangling, rather than tucked up against their undersides. They’re solitary creatures, insectivores as well as nectar-thieves. Like yellow jackets, they are also drawn to peach tea (preferably Snapple, though a good tall can of Arizona brand tea will draw their attention.) Anything sweet will draw them, especially if it’s sweetness that you want to enjoy—without insect-assistance.
Though I’m familiar with the Great Black Wasp species, I don’t see many of them. They’re not hive dwellers and so they don’t exist in prodigious numbers. They’re diggers, so you won’t find signs of their extravagant, papery architecture, or their rugged-though-elegant pottery stuck beneath eaves and rain gutters like strange, organic security devices. Like other wasps, they will sting, though like bumblebees it takes a lot of effort to draw their attention.
As a child I saw them in greater numbers than I do now. They’re drawn to gardens, and particularly to gardeners who think of wasps as aggressive and dangerous creatures. It’s always an amusing thing to watch an adult human scampering away from something unseen, until closer inspection of the flee-scene reveals the presence of a great black wasp, foraging on whatever nectars (or small insects) have drawn their dietary attentions.
I saw this particular wasp on a lazy Sunday. I was visiting with friends and I’d taken a cigarette break outside. I was drawn to the garden, not because of the plants, but because of the promise of something fun to look at, or maybe even a hive unknown until that moment. Alas, there were no hives, no nests, no cryptic burrows leading down into brood chambers rich with eggs like elongated, yellowish pearls. There was a great black wasp, however; just one, but enough to provide entertainment. I watched the creature for long moments, eventually coaxing it onto my finger before he (she?) lost interest and flew back to the flower on which he (she?) had been sipping. I watched for long moments, as this beauty’s brownish, serpentine tongue delicately probed diminutive blossoms…and then, after about 20 minutes took to a leisurely east-bound flight.
Now that it’s cold, there are no charming insects, unless they’re indoor-dwellers and though I love insects, I don’t find cockroaches and bedbugs charming…and thankfully they’re company I don’t have to deal with. But in honor of faded summer, I’m posting this shiny, black beauty, and I hope you enjoy it.
Comments (23)
KatesFriend
Nice detailed photo, your subject is very calm and patient with humans it would seem. I've never heard of black wasps and I have to admit that at first glace I thought this was a variety of ant (still with its wings). This is a very intriguing creature to say the least. Thanks for the info on him/her.
MagikUnicorn
It's a real big one :) Impressive number of Replica...
beachzz
I see lots of wasps around here, but never one of these big guys. The contrast of colors is wonderful--bet he was happy!!
RickGot
Beautiful capture. Excellent detail and contrast with the flowers. I caught a pic of one of these big fellows in flight last Summer in South Dakota. You are correct, in that the legs dangle in flight.
Meisiekind
Now just look at that! What a true beauty! Those wings look like it could be a Darth Vader suit!!! The detail you have captured is phenomenal! There is just another realm of life in the macro world! Very, very pleasing image Chip!
NefariousDrO
I agree, that contrasting shiny black insect against the bright pink flower is excellent. It is a fascinating insect. I'm always amazed at your fearlessness with the wasp family. Having encountered the more aggressive members of that family a few too many times I tend to keep my distance from them if I can. Excellent photo.
durleybeachbum
How gorgeous this is! A very beautiful and sharp pic, I love those wings!
MrsRatbag
Beautiful shot, Chip!
qrud
A very good macro. Well done.
JaneEden
Hi Chip it's me at last! Wow I was really intrigued in your intro about these amazing wasps, it was a story almost and very interesting indeed. When I first saw the photo of the insect I though yuk! but after reading your fascinating tale I grew to like the beast. Your photography as ever is excellent, and this macro is so full of interest and detail, so thank you, Happy New Year, hugs Jane xx
kgb224
A wonderful capture of this beauty my friend.
flora-crassella
a interesting wasp! Wonderful shot!
helanker
Such a nice peaceful story about this beauty of a Whasp, that I at first thought was a winged ant. It is such a beautiful shot, this whasp sitting on what I think is an orpine. :-)
mbz2662
Super shot. You should have been in Arizona this summer. I was at my Uncle's, and I swear!, that the wasps flying around the hummingbird feeders were nearly as big as the hummingbird... It took a lot of discipline not to run, while I was trying to photo the birds.
belasebok
Great macro!
bmac62
So, this is what I stepped too close to last spring. One or more had dug a small, grass camouflaged hole in my yard right next to a gate that I only use when I want my truck in the backyard. I got out of the truck to open the gate and WAM...stung like someone stuck a big syringe in me without warning! I can usually shake off bee stings but this one really hurt. Wah. Wah. I didn't want to be in his area and he was helping me find a fast way out. Excellent picture. Since I often think of things in airplane related ways, these guys do fly with their landing gear only partially retracted. Makes 'em look ominous and must add to their drag coefficient. Well done:)
geirla
Cool. Always great to read your writing. I can learn a lot about bugs that way.
danapommet
Super macro Chip. Love the contrast and detail. A must to ZOOM. Dana
auntietk
Your insect captures are amazing, but I think it's because of the things you have to say about them. Most people just say, "look at the bug," but you draw me in, make me care, show me the beauty. Excellent work!
dadon72
Love the detail in the wings and the blackness of the wasp works perfectly against the colorful flowers. I'm curious, did you use a flash?
koosievantutte
beautiful insect - very fine capture.
myrrhluz
Fascinating information! I can remember seeing insects on screen with their legs dangling though I don't remember just where. It could have been a nature show or a science fiction/horror, but it definitely made him look more menacing. Excellent image! I like the little ball shapes at the beginning of his antennae and the way his leg and the flower show through his wing.
blondeblurr
An insect of a different kind, maybe even the 3rd kind ?... but I wouldn't know - but what I do know is this, I love all kinds. This one has almost the texture of a plastic-look to it or perhaps he is wearing a see-through raincoat. (on a sunny day ?) Cheers BB