Double Jeopardy. European Paper Wasp, Polistes dominula, on Heracleum sphondylium, Common Hogweed, Océ-weerd, Meuse Corridor, Venlo, The Netherlands
Nature, of course, is great, but pottering about you need to know what you're doing. Here's a good example of Double Jeopardy if you're not in the know.
Polistes dominula, European Paper Wasp, is a handsome creature indeed. In the photo is Little Mistress herself; she's not easily aggravated but when she is or when her Polity has to be defended she can have a very nasty sting. I've not been able to compare hers with that of the ordinary lemonade wasp, but I'm told Polistes's is more painful. Ugh.
She's nectaring here on Common Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium. Yes, most parts of this Hogweed are edible in various ways: sautéed or boiled and cooked. But watch out here, too. Less than that of its terrifying cousin Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, its sap from broken leaves or stems can also give rise to painful, suppurating sores. That sap causes photodermatitis, rendering your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight which will burn the living daylights out of you. Believe you me, it can be extremely painful.
Be cautious and you'll have nothing to fear. Enjoy!
Double Jeopardy. European Paper Wasp, Polistes dominula, on Heracleum sphondylium, Common Hogweed, Océ-weerd, Meuse Corridor, Venlo, The Netherlands
Nature, of course, is great, but pottering about you need to know what you're doing. Here's a good example of Double Jeopardy if you're not in the know.
Polistes dominula, European Paper Wasp, is a handsome creature indeed. In the photo is Little Mistress herself; she's not easily aggravated but when she is or when her Polity has to be defended she can have a very nasty sting. I've not been able to compare hers with that of the ordinary lemonade wasp, but I'm told Polistes's is more painful. Ugh.
She's nectaring here on Common Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium. Yes, most parts of this Hogweed are edible in various ways: sautéed or boiled and cooked. But watch out here, too. Less than that of its terrifying cousin Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, its sap from broken leaves or stems can also give rise to painful, suppurating sores. That sap causes photodermatitis, rendering your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight which will burn the living daylights out of you. Believe you me, it can be extremely painful.
Be cautious and you'll have nothing to fear. Enjoy!