They have been described as ‘living jewels’. When you see your first they certainly make you draw breath;, they are quite beautiful however they could easily pass unnoticed. Ruby tailed Wasps are small; As parasitic wasps go it’s smaller than what you would think at only 8 to 10mm long and only a couple of millimetres wide. Their speed and agility as they inspect other wasps nests into which they lay their eggs is astounding; a photographers nightmare. They aren’t common either. So scarcity, size and restlessness makes them an ‘interesting‘ photography subject.
08
Aug
18
I must admit I hadn’t heard of these insects, but given how you desribed them, you have done well to get that picture. Cracking shot. ‘Living jewel’ is a perfect description. Amazing colours.
Malcolm
Thanks Malcolm – in the hot weather this year they have been a little commoner than normal but they are still a devil to find.