Female long-tailed giant ichneumon wasp
First off, let's establish size here. Even though this has been shot with a macro lens, this is nowhere even close to a macro shot, not even close-focus! In fact, this is (on sensor) about 5:1 or about 1/5 life size. This (harmless to humans) wasp from head to tip of her ovipositor is around 15 cm (6") !!!, and yes you can tell it's a female, because she has an ovipositor (duh). This is the largest parasitic wasp in North America, at it's very northern boundary on the north coast of Lake Erie. I did try to get in for a macro shot of her face, but she was having no part of that paparazzi crap. First time I've ever seen this beauty, and trust me I was borderline catatonic with the excitement! Two-image stack, handheld.
PLEASE: Do not post any comment graphics, they will be deleted. See info in my bio.
Female long-tailed giant ichneumon wasp
First off, let's establish size here. Even though this has been shot with a macro lens, this is nowhere even close to a macro shot, not even close-focus! In fact, this is (on sensor) about 5:1 or about 1/5 life size. This (harmless to humans) wasp from head to tip of her ovipositor is around 15 cm (6") !!!, and yes you can tell it's a female, because she has an ovipositor (duh). This is the largest parasitic wasp in North America, at it's very northern boundary on the north coast of Lake Erie. I did try to get in for a macro shot of her face, but she was having no part of that paparazzi crap. First time I've ever seen this beauty, and trust me I was borderline catatonic with the excitement! Two-image stack, handheld.
PLEASE: Do not post any comment graphics, they will be deleted. See info in my bio.