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Paper Wasp

Belonogaster sp.

Photo by Tiz
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This wasp was in my garden drinking water from a Hibiscus leaf. Size 3-4 cm. I think it is a small monster and I admit that I dodged when it flew passed me :D

Habitat:

Urban env. in a garden with hibiscus bushes.

Notes:

General information about Paper wasps:
In African traditional medicine, wasps of the genus are cooked with plant roots and consumed to cure various childhood sicknesses, as well as having ceremonial use. Some birds choose to build their nests near the nests of Belonogaster for protection, including mousebirds and weavers. Here is a link to a paper wasp nest in South Africa: http://www.kyffhauser.co.za/Invertebrates/Image50.htm

Reference Links:

Belonogaster

Species ID Suggestions

Paper Wasp

Belonogaster sp.

Reference Link
AgnesAdiqueTalavera
1

Comments (18)
Tiz
That would have been something Sckel :) But I agree with you and Agnes, she has a pretty coloration, especially when the sun shines on her. But I am sure that the pictures in the ID suggestion - link, it is the same one! Unf they only added the Belonogaster sp.
Sckel
Tiz, I got to thinking that this is a wasp albino. She is beautiful.
Tiz
Are you familiar with the "lets go as close as possible to the object, find a good angle, good light" in the same time as "you dont want the creature to do something unexpected, becaue that might scare the s... out of you" haha! That is me... Even if it is something quite small... But hey, it makes life more exciting, doesn't it! :D
Mark Ridgway
It doesn't look such a small monster - good you dodged. Why do people have to eat stuff for wrong reasons.
AgnesAdiqueTalavera
I also admire its color.. it is so subtle, so different from the other wasps.
Tiz
Thank you Agnes! That is a great link in the ID suggestion to some very nice photos! I am amazed how much effort it seems to be for this wasp to bend its neck (for eating and drinking). The ID with the genusm is a great start, and I will add it to the spotting for now. I will also keep on looking for the exact species. There are about 60 to select between :) Excellent job! @ the surfing ant (Sckel) I am sure you are one of those who are one with the nature :) Never bitten or stung, just in harmony with everything around you! I am not :P
Sckel
I found a large wasp green. I approached 5 cm to challenge it, you know what she said? I do not give a s* about you. And continued eating their insects. :(
AgnesAdiqueTalavera
Another ref for this lovely wasp: http://www.waspweb.org/Vespoidea/Vespidae/Polistinae/Belonogaster/Belonogaster_species_2.htm Regards!!
Tiz
The body shape is fun, it looks like a "beautiful design faliure" :D Unf I did not come very close, a meter perhaps... And I have to admit that I am not interested in "close combat" with those wasps, I respect their sting too much! Sulotion no one: Better camera and lens :P
Sckel
Cool, Tiz. I love the body design of the wasps. You came very close wasp?
Tiz
Oh, that potter wasp looks very interesting! I have to start to look for those small nests!!!
injica
wow great spotting, looks like a potter wasp by the shape of its body!
Tiz
Indeed, we are getting closer to an ID :) Thanks a lot guys! And Cheryl, thanks a lot for your comment :D
Adarsha B S
Faredin is correct :) One similar pic :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/38559142@N05/3788821194/
FaredinAliyevski
Looks really beautiful and similar to this species 'Belonogaster dubia' but not exactly, at least we know the genus :)
Photographed
PublishedJuly 10, 2013

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