“Got cicadas?”

I'm pretty sure this shot:
(a) is not going on the wall in the hall.
(b) is of a “cicada killer” wasp (Sphecius speciosus).
See: http://bugguide.net/node/view/207185
This guy's about 1½–2 inches long and last I saw, was chasing a dragonfly. He was pretty determined to rest at this particular spot, so despite the temperature today, I just sat in the grass, stabilized my elbows on my knees and pressed the button lots of times. I have some decent “ventral” view images, but had to go with this “head shot” for the detail. Another “visitor to our garden.”

I hope everyone in the States has had a Happy Fourth and a “Thanks be to God!” that Wendy & Family are back in their spared home in Colorado! http://365project.org/discuss/general/13299/update-from-colorado#comment-399080

Last year's post was more date-appropriate—
A year ago (“Fourth of July”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-07-04

[Thom Mitchell]

@exposure4u Glad you're back, Wendy!

[Taephy]

wow, too close for comfort! Lethal?

[Wendy]

@rhoing Thank you soooo much Thom! I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you were praying for us. Prayers definitely were answered!! I will try to post some before and after photos when the time permits. Thank you again!

[Chris]

This is another beautiful capture Thom!

[Kerri]

Great closeup

[Marie]

Amazing details

[Rick Schies]

You captured a great close-up of this guy, very good face on shot

[Michelle]

Excellent title.. your focus is perfect on this

[MaryBeth Dailey]

I love the head on shot of this guy! and your caption makes it. Your focus is superb here...even the grainy sandy part of the concrete or whatever looks pretty.

[Jean Tookey]

A great capture. He looks very determined.

[Lisa Pouncy]

Wow! Great macro! xx

[Elizabeth Youngs]

Wow! Your macro shots are incredible! Great focus and details!

[Thom Mitchell]

@tooki Didn't bother me!

@exposure4u Just glad you're home and things are in order!

@chrismarfil @kerristephens @marieooi @digitalrn @jtookey150 @psychographer @lyoungs1023 Thank you, all! I'm sorry I can't respond more individually, but we have house guests!

@michelleyoung @espyetta Thank you, Michelle & MaryBeth! It was easy and I was determined to get a good shot!

[Carolyn White]

Awesome perspective, Thom!!!

[Caryn]

Ooh, so fantastically, wonderfully creepy. I love the detail here!

[Heidi]

Ha!! Not on the wall in the hall??? Aww, too bad! Its a beauty!!!

[Ellen E]

wow - amazing shot

[Thom Mitchell]

@cjwhite This guy would buzz off and fly around the yard and come back to the same spot. So I just sat and waited. S/he accommodated me nicely. :)

@cmc1200 It's creepy, but at the same time somewhat compelling, no?

@chauncygirl I don't think I'll be able to enlist many allies to put this on the wall.

@ellen Thanks so much, Ellen...

[Angelique]

This is a Fav! This is such a daring and well worth it shot! Great Capture!

[Thom Mitchell]

@angeliquenordal Thank you, Angelique! I rather liked this one, too. :)