Aggressor, Pt. 2 - _TNY_8637
Here is a cool-looking kleptoparasitic wasp called Gasteruption boreale. The presence of an ovipositor tells us it's a female, but unlike some other Gasteruption species, the ovipositor has a somewhat manageable size. There are others where it is way longer than the entire wasp!
This particular one was hanging out next to where a annulate masked bee (Hylaeus annulatus) just had laid her eggs - no doubt hoping to lay her own egg on top of the bee's.
Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52182315301/
A shot of the poor bee in question can be seen here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52182563184/
Aggressor, Pt. 2 - _TNY_8637
Here is a cool-looking kleptoparasitic wasp called Gasteruption boreale. The presence of an ovipositor tells us it's a female, but unlike some other Gasteruption species, the ovipositor has a somewhat manageable size. There are others where it is way longer than the entire wasp!
This particular one was hanging out next to where a annulate masked bee (Hylaeus annulatus) just had laid her eggs - no doubt hoping to lay her own egg on top of the bee's.
Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52182315301/
A shot of the poor bee in question can be seen here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52182563184/