Ropalidia nest
A Ropalidia paper wasp (10-12mm long, Vespidae). Ropalidias are easily recognised by the swollen abdominal segment in which the other segments can be retracted. This one is very common in the miombo forest (DR Congo, Lubumbashi) and also tricky because it stings and the nests look like dried leaves.
Staged specimens. Image based on 92 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Canon 5Dmkii, MP-E 65mm at 1x, ISO-100, f/5, 1/160sec, paper diffused flash.
Ropalidia nest
A Ropalidia paper wasp (10-12mm long, Vespidae). Ropalidias are easily recognised by the swollen abdominal segment in which the other segments can be retracted. This one is very common in the miombo forest (DR Congo, Lubumbashi) and also tricky because it stings and the nests look like dried leaves.
Staged specimens. Image based on 92 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Canon 5Dmkii, MP-E 65mm at 1x, ISO-100, f/5, 1/160sec, paper diffused flash.