Paper Wasp Gathering Pollen

"Paper Wasp Gathering Pollen at Enchanted Forest Park, North Miami, Florida"

 

ENCHANTED FOREST PARK, NORTH MIAMI, FL                                                                                                                                                                             

This wildlife photo is of a Paper Wasp gathering up pollen. This insect was captured at Enchanted Forest Park. This beautiful urban park is located in North Miami, FL on NE 135th Street just west of Biscayne Blvd. The camera gear used in this photo of a Paper Wasp was a Nikon D90. Attached to the Nikon camera body was a Nikkor 60mm 2.8 lens held at a distance of perhaps 3 inches from the subject.

In North America alone, there are over 22 species of paper wasps. Paper wasps belong to the genus Polistes. Worldwide, there are over 200 species. These wasps measure 1.9 to 3.2 cm in length. Their narrow bodies are most commonly dark brown in color, with black wings and yellow markings. Some even appear similar to yellow jackets in coloration.These insects are called paper wasps due to the construction of their nests. Paper wasp nests are made from plant material combined with saliva and appear to be made from paper. Their nests include numerous compartments within which wasps lay their eggs and rear their young. The nests typically do not have an outer shell with the cells of the nest visible. In fact, it somewhat resembles an umbrella and is the reason they may be called umbrella wasps.

Paper wasps feed on nectar and pollen, although they also hunt for insects such as caterpillars with which to nourish their colonies’ larvae. As larvae develop into adults, they assist in expanding the nest and nurturing future generations.

Paper wasps are considered beneficial because they assist in pollination by feeding on nectar, and they control pest insect populations by feeding them to their larvae. However, despite their ecological benefits, paper wasp nests should not be permitted to develop in or near the home. Stings from paper wasps are extremely painful and may produce serious reactions to people who are allergic to the venom.

 

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    2 Thoughts to “Paper Wasp Gathering Pollen”

    1. This is also not a paper wasp, but a scollid wasp.

    2. Maki

      Wonderful all your work!!!
      Thank you so much for sharing your art and your love for nature. 🙂

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    Alan S Hochman Photography