In past years, I have lamented about how few birds are around at this time of year. Plus bird song has mostly stopped in July.
No lamenting this year! The fascinating world of insects has caught my attention and now I hurry out each morning to try and photograph them and learn more about them.
I love the exotic appearance of the Thread-waisted Wasp and there were many on this day. They are parasitic on insects and spiders. Their pincer-like jaws crush the neck of their prey and then paralyze them with their sting.
The wasp places the host’s body in a mud cell and lays an egg on it.
After hatching, the larva consumes the host.
Other insects:
Thank-you to Ken Sproule for assistance in identification.
Several people have written to me about the Niagara Falls post. The reason that Hornblower boats are almost empty is because it is a Canadian company and only 6 passengers are allowed per voyage:
Maid of the Mist is an American company and they allow 50% occupancy.
NATURE POETRY
The dawn was apple-green,
The sky was green wine held up in the Sun,
The Moon was a golden petal between. – D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930)
Miles Hearn
Lovely! I believe I have heard some of this before (I am speaking here of the charming survival habits of that wasp!) Like many people, I’m not as “romantic” about insects as I am about birds, plants and flowers (except for butterflies, of course!) though I have found programs about them interesting, but they are fascinating creatures and often beautiful, too! I do look at them on hikes, so I can’t say I haven’t noticed them, but now, you’ve helped me pay even more attention to them. I’m glad you’ve added them to what you do, and that you enjoy them. Just don’t get stung! Thank you, Miles!