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Wasp Was That?


Wasp Was That?
Photo Information
Copyright: Pam Russell (coasties) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3816 W: 505 N: 8098] (27718)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-11-04
Categories: Insects
Camera: Konica Minolta Dimage Z2, 52mm UV + Circ. Polarizer
Exposure: f/3.2, 1/80 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2004-11-04 3:44
Viewed: 1070
Points: 15
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I was in my garden looking for flowers to photograph, when I happened upon this busy insect.

Paper Wasp

The term "paper wasp" is used to describe a number of wasp species in the family Vespidae and usually of the genus Polistes. There are 21 Polistes spp. found in North America. Although they are sometimes confused with yellow jackets, paper wasps are easily identified by the nests they make and their long, narrow bodies.

Paper wasp nests resemble an upside down umbrella of cells and are often found hanging under the eaves of buildings, in attics, trees, as well as other structures. Although they are capable of stinging, paper wasps are usually not aggressive unless disturbed. The sting of a paper wasp is similar to that of any other wasp.

Paper wasps are generally considered a beneficial species. They will feed on agricultural pests such as caterpillars that can destroy crops.
mrvdm1, gerhardt, LordPotty, marhowie, saintclaude, touristdidi, electrunique has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Good detail, Pam. Maybe a flash-fill would have lighten it up just a bit, but this is fine. Well done.

The pose looks menacing. But it seems a bit dark. I made a WS to try and bring some light onto it. Hope you like it?

Another coincidence. I took a shot exactly like this yesterday. It's funny how these Chinese paper wasps always hide behind their nest when approached. You can even touch a wasp on its nest with your finger without being stung, they are so non aggressive.
These are a very recent arrival to New Zealand (circa 1970s) but are well established in warmer areas.
They seem to be attracted to heat, and will spend all day flying backwards and forwards along metal gates or corrugated iron fences.
Thanks Pam.

Pam, This has a great POV & sitting atop the nest like this a big plus! I find that shooting in the shadows like this can be difficult. It will slow-down your shutter-speed & cause focusing problems. Without tripod & or fill flash the results may be dark as seen here. I carry a light-weight aluminum tripod. Many times I will use it mono style, just for support. Hope this helps?

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-11-04 11:40]

He is definately aware of you - better watch out!. The sharpness is good but a diffused fill flash would have helped on the exposure. You can use a piece of wax paper that can be found in a kitchen to diffuse your flash.

Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2004-11-29 5:19]

Yes Pam, I know this pest very well. You have captured him well. Thank you

Superbe image, fabuleux détail de la construction de ce nid que la guêpe semble vouloir défendre à tout prix. On dirait qu'elle va vous sauter dessus!!! Votre photo est splendide. Bravo. Claude

NB: Pour le plaisir, j'ai fait un WS, car il manque peut-être un peu de netteté.

I found empty nests under my roof all the time, but never saw any wasps. Great picture, he looks fierce!

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