Dolichovespula maculata

Posted 14 December 2009 by

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Photograph by Kevin Klein. Photography contest, Honorable mention.
Dolichovespula maculata--Bald-faced hornet larvae.

4 Comments

Paul Burnett · 14 December 2009

Kevin, were the workers unhappy with you when you took this picture? Where was the nest? There's probably a story here...

Kevin Klein · 15 December 2009

The workers had already been "neutralized" due to the nest's proximity to my patio. This picture was taken after the nest was cut down.

We left the nest on the picnic table out back and by the next morning nothing was left. Some critter, probably a raccoon, enjoyed himself a nice meal of yummy larvae nuggets.

Alan B · 15 December 2009

I am VERY impressed by the quality of ALL the photos, not just the prize winners.

IanW · 16 December 2009

Is it true that these insects lay down to take a nap or is that a Bald-Faced lie?!