While observing Yellowjackets foraging on goldenrod flowers, I noticed that every so often they would stop to clean off their antennae by stroking them with their front legs - as this one is doing. Typical yellowjackets (Genus Vespula) nest underground. This one, however, is called an Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) and builds above-ground nests. It is in the same Genus as Bald-faced Hornets and Parasitic Yellowjackets (see one of my recent posts for an image of this species). 40D, Canon 180mm macro, 1/60, f/8, ISO 400. Macro twin flash. Hand held. I removed some flash-generated specular highlights. Comments are welcome.
Macro and Flora IOTW 10/23/09 Steve Maxson
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