Sphex Pensylvanicus

This afternoon, I had the opportunity while walking around an open area of the woods to capture some macro photography shots of the Sphex Pensylvanicus, otherwise known as the Great Black Wasp. All shots were taken with a Canon 80D camera.

What is quite interesting about this species of wasp is that the males do not sting, only the females. The females will only do so if threatened, or when preparing another insect for meals for their larvae. The female will sting other insects three times, which will paralyze that insect until the wasp's larvae are alive and ready to eat the insect. Sometimes the insect that has been stung will continue to live after being stung, but not always.

Also quite interesting about the Great Black Wasp (I'd want to be referred to as that if was a black wasp as well!) is that unlike most other wasps, the Great Black Wasp's nests are underground. Most other wasp's nests are found on trees, overhang enclosures on houses or buildings and other structures that have some sort of extension.

Truly a fascinating insect!

In addition the the Great Black Wasp, I was also able to capture a shot of a bee and two shots of a small butterfly.

What a lovely day for macro photography.

One love,

@jgullinese