Wasp

Wasp

In macro and on the computer screen, this creature looks absolutely ferocious. But, in fact it is only about 7mm long and non-aggressive compared to the UK wasps that spoil your August picnic. I am sure it is capable of stinging, but it flies away at the slightest disturbance and is actually quite difficult to photograph.

It is often seen chewing into the base of unopened flower buds, tapping into the untouched reserves of nectar, rather than entering opened flowers in the conventional way. As such, it is useless as a pollinator, taking the sweets without paying!

I did get a good side view, but I really liked this perspective view, showing the powerful chewing jaws and also the three ocelli (simple eyes) on top of the head, between the main compound eyes.

Dave