Dee At 8 A.M.: Wasps

Showing posts with label Wasps. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

August 4, 2026

I am a a Northern Warrior Wasp

And we're called that for a very good reason

We defend our nest by loudly beating on it

And if you don't run, you are the one who is beaten.

Location: Refugio Paz de Las Aves, Nanegalito, Ecuador

Sources: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/warrior-wasp-sting

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Friday, April 26, 2024

April 26, 2024

I am known as a Paper Wasp

I've got two large compound eyes

I have 3 eyes that are Ocelli

I don't see through them directly

But I can use them to control my flight.

(Click to enlarge the photo, their eyes are pretty cool, and you can see all 5 in the photo.)

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Titusville

Sources: https://engines.egr.uh.edu/episode/2877

Thursday, November 16, 2023

November 16, 2023

I am known as a Paper Wasp

In the Fuscopolistes Subgenus

You know I'm a male because my antennae are curved

And I don't have a stinger so I'm nothing but sweetness.

Location: Riverside Park, Vero Beach

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Polistes_fuscatus/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

September 5, 2023

I am a Slosson's Mason Wasp

I have a tiny waist and a large dark red butt

I look like a Potter's wasp but -

I nest with vegetable matter, they use mud.

Location: Titusville Field Station, Titusville

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/wasps/zethus_wasps.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Saturday, June 24, 2023

June 24, 2023

I am an Ichneumonid Wasp

You might mistake me for a Crane Fly

But that would be a mistake,

For your progeny's sake -

Butterflies, watch where you leave your larvae!

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2012/05/wasp-wednesday-netelia.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, June 15, 2023

June 15, 2023

I am a Caribbean Scoliid Wasp

I was introduced to control sugarcane pests

I lay my eggs in Scarab Beetle larvae

To the larvae - they define "unwanted guests."

Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.101.0334