Arthropods and stuff

Beneficial Bug of The Day:  The Yellow Jacket Wasp.   Vespula spp.

Yup, that’s right.  These girls are highly beneficial.  The adults feed on nectar to fuel their flight, making them important pollinators.  They forage and hunt other insects to feed their carnivorous young.  This protects your garden from caterpillars and other herbivorous insects.  They have also been known to feed on bot fly and blow fly larvae.   This insect gets a bad rep as being aggressive.  People with allergies to venom should avoid them.  However, they won’t sting unless they feel threatened.  They have evolved venom to protect their colonies.  Colonies are made up of a Queen and all of her sterile daughters.  The sisters forage, protect the colony,  and care for the young.  I think these girls are beautiful.