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Great Golden Digger Wasp
Aug 20, 2017 13:13:18 #
This post was inspired by a post from rwilson1942. It reminded me that I had taken a series of this critter when my mint was in full bloom. They are not aggressive and it is relatively rare to be stung by one. I have yet to find a nest, but would love to photograph them while they're stocking their nest.
Aug 20, 2017 13:29:02 #
Aug 20, 2017 13:32:27 #
Aug 20, 2017 13:36:57 #
Aug 20, 2017 13:40:01 #
Aug 20, 2017 14:42:15 #
Nice! Really, it is hard to get good pictures like these since they usually are in constant motion. I was lucky this year to see a bunch of them (seemed rare until now), but I have not come close your pictures.
They nest in a burrow in the ground. I have not seen one at its hole since I was a kid (scared the heck out of me then), but here is one: http://bugguide.net/node/view/57016 In fact, they are solitary, one wasp per hole, and this picture is a bit of trick photography, I think. I expect they are like other wasp burrows, and based on that look in patches of bare ground (or closely mowed grass) in areas where the wasps are found. The hole is slanted, and often stands out since the excavated soil is a different color from the surface. They stock it with paralyzed crickets and katydids. In case I need to say so, have no fear whatsoever of being stung if you are photgraphing at a hole. They will just fly away, but they do make several investigative passes over the area to imprint on landmarks. If they seem interested in you, that is only b/c you are now a landmark.
They nest in a burrow in the ground. I have not seen one at its hole since I was a kid (scared the heck out of me then), but here is one: http://bugguide.net/node/view/57016 In fact, they are solitary, one wasp per hole, and this picture is a bit of trick photography, I think. I expect they are like other wasp burrows, and based on that look in patches of bare ground (or closely mowed grass) in areas where the wasps are found. The hole is slanted, and often stands out since the excavated soil is a different color from the surface. They stock it with paralyzed crickets and katydids. In case I need to say so, have no fear whatsoever of being stung if you are photgraphing at a hole. They will just fly away, but they do make several investigative passes over the area to imprint on landmarks. If they seem interested in you, that is only b/c you are now a landmark.
Aug 20, 2017 14:57:09 #
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Aug 20, 2017 15:23:25 #
Interesting and good shots, I like the compositions especially of nos. 1 and 4.
Aug 20, 2017 15:53:21 #
Aug 20, 2017 19:25:14 #
Thanks Mark. I don't know whether I had several wasps or one who was a regular visitor. When the mint was in full bloom, there were many wasps that came in, and this one was a regular. The continuous bending at the waist in order to get the photos, holding that bent over position for what seemed like an endless amount of time in order to catch the subject in the right position - eventually resulted in a VERY INTENSE back muscle spasm that sent me to the Emergency room. LOL After treatment with muscle relaxers and steroids, I was able to bounce back. And typical of any serious macro photographer, I was back at it, one day after symptoms disappeared.
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Nice! Really, it is hard to get good pictures like... (show quote)
Aug 20, 2017 22:05:58 #
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Aug 21, 2017 07:48:10 #
Oh, it is rough out there, when the host plant is at just the right height where you need to scrunch down to the most awkward angle. But wow, you are dedicated.
Aug 21, 2017 08:16:07 #
Thanks Mark. But I'm sure I'm no different from the other regulars on this board. We're all seeking that ONE SHOT that's the ultimate keeper. 
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Oh, it is rough out there, when the host plant is at just the right height where you need to scrunch down to the most awkward angle. But wow, you are dedicated.
Aug 21, 2017 10:24:14 #
gym wrote:
This post was inspired by a post from rwilson1942. It reminded me that I had taken a series of this critter when my mint was in full bloom. They are not aggressive and it is relatively rare to be stung by one. I have yet to find a nest, but would love to photograph them while they're stocking their nest.
Excellent series well done.
RichAug 21, 2017 10:34:18 #
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