Parasitic Wasp....

[MJ224]

Mellinus Arvensis

Could be a good name for a new EV car...

Several around at the moment. It must be their time of year...

[Ozzie_Traveller]

Hi Mark

We Downunder call 'em the European Wasp - and we're trying to wipe 'em out but with limited success
They swarm in their hundreds (seemingly) around dead locusts on the front of any vehicle, wanting the dead thing for brekky or lunch. Damn nuisances they are

However your pic is a goodie - nice 'n sharp too
Phil

[wigz]

Nice and sharp with excellent colour Mark. The black, white and green make a nice contrast.

I don't think this is our European wasp although I am certainly nothing like an expert. Our European wasp (Vespula germanica) is a social insect and this is a parasitic wasp (Mellinus Arvensis) that are normally solitary.

[MJ224]

Thanks, Alan, yes agree with that ID...

[MJ224]

Another version of the Parasitic Wasp

Ichneumon Stramentarius this time...!!

Who names these things...

[wigz]

Another nice shot Mark. I've seen and photographed another species in the genus out here. Haven't seen one for a long time though.

[Isac]

Very colourful and sharp Mark. At 420mm I guess you didn't want to get too close

[MJ224]

1.4 metres Isac, this, I think. This is an advantage over the macro route, as I don't really disturb the subject...and the sting..

[David_MC]

Excellent shots Mark.

[MJ224]

Thanks David...