I admit I was a bit too optimistic about how much I was going to use my macro lens before the summer started, but we had a long weekend and I finally got myself into the alleyway to see what I could find. I can only ID most of these insects to the Genus level (mostly thanks to iNaturalist).

Genus Megachile

Genus Megachile

A bee from the Genus Megachile also known as leafcutter bees. They are solitary bees, many of which cut pieces of leaves to line their nests with.

Aphids

These aphids are most likely Aphis verbasci aka the Mullein Aphid.

Eristalis arbustorum (Eurasian Drone Fly)

A European Drone Fly – an introduced species that has successfully established itself on every continent except Antarctica. It’s a good example of Batesian mimicry, evolving the appearance of a bee to ward off predators.

Genus Astata

Genus Astata are a genus of solitary predatory wasps. It was very active, darting around to different areas close to the ground – which isn’t too surprising as they generally nest in burrows in the soil.

Wasp vs. Bee

Rounding a corner, I spotted something writhing on the path. I got my camera in as quickly as I could and discovered I’d happened upon a European Paper Wasp that had captured a European Honey Bee.

I know there is a general hatred of wasps among Homo sapiens, and I attribute it to the ever-expanding lack of curiosity about reality. Treat yourself to at least skimming the Wikipedia entry on wasps.

The wasp in question is Polistes dominula -– an introduced and invasive insect here in Canada. However, it’s important to note that Apis mellifera is also an introduced and invasive insect that has most likely had a negative effect on native bees. See an article from Current Research in Insect Science: Mounting evidence that managed and introduced bees have negative impacts on wild bees: an updated review

It seems unavoidable for us to invent a narrative and pick a side, but these photographs show a truth that has been around long before human moral systems (and will certainly outlive them). It took the wasp only about five seconds from when I encountered it to dismember the bee and awkwardly fly away carrying nearly its own body weight.

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