With apologies to Mr. T. Williams.
While splitting our firewood the other day I noticed this Dark Paper Wasp-Polistes fuscatus on the tarp covering what is already stacked. I guess the cool morning had it in a slight torpor as it stayed put for quite a while…moving around a bit but not flying off and not at all aggressive.
After making the first shot I went back to splitting but noticed it had turned a bit so picked up the camera (my 40D with 100 macro) and got two more facing views after a water drop had been picked up.
After a slight turn one more with a full head on view.
This was my second time shooting the wasp on this tarp, the previous with the phone. I am not sure why but the tarp seems a favorite spot for some.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Great shots Steve !
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Thank you, Rudi!
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Great captures, Steve, love that shot with the water drop. It is so interesting the non-natural items these little critters are sometimes attracted to.
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Thanks, Ellen. Gotta keep our eyes open always.
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Do you know whether picking up the water drop was incidental versus serving some purpose?
If you previously had as saturatedly colorful a background in one of your pictures, I don’t remember it.
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I didn’t post the previous shot here, just on FB. The wasp stayed on the tarp for quite a while and the drop was smaller later and then disappeared so I am guessing it might have been for drinking but don’t know for sure.
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Maybe it’s considering changed from Dark Paper to Blue Nylon Wasp. Great shots!
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Could be a trendsetter. Thanks, Robert.
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A good study in what we as humans consider beautiful, and what we consider ugly, and how close examination can alter that perspective. Nicely done.
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Thanks, Bob. Absolutely. I’ll admit to appreciating the beauty of insects only later in life. I really wish I had been more interested when in college and my brain was more like a sponge. There is so much to learn. .
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Vibrant and absolutely stunning detail, Steve. Bally well done!! Fabulous! 🙏📷
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Thanks, Rob. This is the second time I have photographed this species on the tarp and my initial reaction to the tarp was not positive. But I am liking it more for its brightness. Not quite “nature” but it does add appeal.
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You’re right – the vibrance and synthetic nature of the tarpaulin literally throws your subject out of the frame. Very 3-dimensional and appealing to the extreme! Novel, simple and superb, Steve!
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It is not very often that a wasp is so cooperative and allows you to take such fabulous portraits, Steve!
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It is unusual and I was tempted to play fashion photographer and position my model but thought the better of it. Fortunately the wasp was a little restless so I had a few poses to pick from.
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It never, ever had occurred to me that any insect could pick up a water droplet. I’m as fascinated by that as I am impressed by the beautiful colors in the images — wasp and tarp alike. It’s a good thing Williams’s cat didn’t show up to disturb your portrait session.
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That cat might have been smart enough to leave a wasp alone. Maybe not. I have seen the behavior before but never photographed it. I am glad that you also see the beauty of the wasp. I think most folks are just fearful of them. The tarp, albeit not a natural element, does add a little pizzazz.
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These are awesome macros, Steve. The water drop capture is brilliant!
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Thanks, Eliza. The water was a surprise. I am not sure when the wasp picked it up as the first few frames did not have it and the last few had it smaller so I think it was for refreshment.
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Excellent shots!
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Thanks, Belinda!
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That is one hell of a wasp, Steve! The blue tarp works really well with it. Great photos, detailing this mini beast!
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It is impressive but showed absolutely no aggressiveness toward me. I was shooting with the 100 macro so did get a bit close to fill the frame but it paid me no mind. Thanks, Pete!
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That wasp appears to be posing for a photoshoot. I am curious about the water droplet… what’s that all about?
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I am not 100% sure but think it was drinking the drop which got progressively smaller in in succeeding frame.It was the most cooperative wasp I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.
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Lovely images Steve, a beautiful wasp.
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Thanks, Brian! It is isn’t everyone who sees the beauty in one of these beauties.
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Wow. Just wow.
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Thanks, Linda. Every once in a while I think to bring the camera out with me while working in the yard. Paid off this time.
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