I had never seen a wasp like this one. I took a lot of shots of it and some others. The whole time I was snapping away, I was really hoping it wasn't aggressive!
This is a Digger Wasp and it's on Goldenrod. I read that the females will sting, if handled. Well, I might not be the sharpest crayon in the box, but I'm not going to handle a wasp. LOL!
Thank you so much for your views, comments, and faves! I really appreciate them! :0)
Carolyn, I think this is a digger wasp (scolia dubia) . We had some in our school garden last September along with some huge green June bugs (like scarab beetles) on our sunflower stalks. The wasps are parasites of the very destructive beetles, and are beneficial and nonagressive. Plus, your shot is excellent! http://bugguide.net/node/view/431
Great photo! Isn't it silly the advice some of the bugs sites give...they sting if you handle them...quel surprise! :-) I love the pollen on her shoulders
This is just gorgeous, especially with the goldenrod. I keep knocking down the wasp's nest that they keep building in the corner of my garage door. You'd think they'd get the hint. But no, they keep rebuilding.
I would have to agree with you there there is indeed a big difference between taking a couple of fantastic shot of a wasp and actually handing one. Lucky for you this one looks more interested in the flowers. Great shot
