Photos of striking insects taken in the garden have been catching my attention as I visit my photo archive.
In this photo, a large streamlined wasp that is a burnished red in colour is visiting an aloe flower in our garden. It is not a wasp that I often see. I think it is an African Paper Wasp, and likely to be one of the Belonogaster species of the subfamily of polistine wasps. Any advice re this gorgeous wasp’s ID will be gratefully received.
Paper wasps are social, and they make communal paper nests. Gardeners will be happy to know that these wasps feed on a variety of caterpillars and insects and also, because of their need for nectar, they act as pollinators too.
Posted by Carol
letting nature back in 
August 21, 2018 at 3:06 am
What a fascinating creature! and such a beautiful shot. Thanks for sharing. I always manage to learn something from your posts.
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August 23, 2018 at 8:23 pm
Thanks Gunta.
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August 17, 2018 at 1:09 pm
Beautiful picture.
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August 18, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Thank you Nikki.
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August 17, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Top quality post.
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August 18, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Thanks so much Sherry.
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August 17, 2018 at 9:42 am
She is a real “Lady in Red!” Fabulous, Carol
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August 18, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Suzette. And yes, I also thought her to be a “lady”, as I gather that the antennae of the males curl at the ends.
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August 17, 2018 at 4:35 am
What a great photo and what color. As far as identification is concerned, I’ve found whatsthatbug.com very helpful. They’ll tackle bugs from around the world.
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August 18, 2018 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Graham, and thanks for the link to whatsthatbug.com.
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August 17, 2018 at 1:37 am
What a tremendous photograph, Carol! Of course you have to tell us just how close you ventured to the dangerous wasp to bring us this image!?
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August 18, 2018 at 3:17 pm
I took the photo through an open window. Unless one accidentally gets too close I think that even paper wasps are less likely to be aggressive away from their nests. This one seemed totally chilled.
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August 17, 2018 at 12:30 am
Very sleek!
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August 18, 2018 at 3:13 pm
Indeed – a very elegant creature.
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August 16, 2018 at 9:12 pm
Paper wasp it is. They regularly build nests under the eaves by one of our bathrooms.
It is fascinating to watch them sit on the nest and fan it with their wings.
If you come across one of their nests look out for this behaviour.
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August 18, 2018 at 3:13 pm
Thanks Ark. The wasps building paper nests under the eaves of our house are smaller and browner than the one in the photo. I will watch out for them fanning their nests when they become more active in the spring.
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August 16, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Terrific photo, Carol!
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August 18, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Thank you Eliza 🙂
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August 16, 2018 at 7:47 pm
Obviously you’ll get no help from me. But this is a great photo.
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August 18, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Thanks Margaret. The photo is an old favourite of mine.
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August 16, 2018 at 7:28 pm
Another of your outstanding photographs – I really enjoy seeing them!
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