Mind your own business

Nature provides countless examples of animals ignoring other creatures that provide no threat. Here a bee and a great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) feed on the same swamp milkweed plant.



Here's the original image, followed by portrait format or square crops of the individual insects, which display more detail.

@arctangent: Love it, Elizabeth!

Absolutely wonderful - the coexistence in achieving their goals. And thanks for elaborating on the two individuals - very beautiful images. Thanks for the extra work.

Spectacular banner Elizabeth!

Impressive to say the least of how beautifully you've put this together, banner cropping, the entire photo and individual cuts. Terrific job! 🐝🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 & 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟

Love the banner Elizabeth

Absolutely superb banner! Great Black Wasps are very common around here, and never bother us. You captured the wasp's beauty so well, as well as the bee. One of my favorite banners so far.

Elizabeth, you've done it again! Masterfully orchestrated!

Awwwsome banner & images , Elizabeth!
Perfect exposure, framing, lighting. Great photography.
Thanks for the extra crops, too.

Just wanted to share this photo on a similar subject, of a Katydid and an ant that I took last summer. Looks like they are having a powwow…

Fantastic banner. That black wasp sure is ominous though. Kind of a scary banner in that respect.

Zoia said:Just wanted to share this photo on a similar subject, of a Katydid and an ant that I took last summer. Looks like they are having a powwow…

That's a great image, and begging for a caption.

Nice banner and additional images. Rich colors. I agree with Leslie: ominous black wasp! Yikes!

Kadydid and ant having a little chat.

I'm almost ( ) embarrassed by the wonderful response this banner got in the form of comments, 's (oh, my gosh), and 's. Too many people to tag individually. I hope your all know I've noted you all, and am truly grateful.

Observing flowering plants is a wonderful window into a wider world of nature - insect life, in this case. So glad so many of you share my enthusiasm. The popularity of all banners that feature bees, butterflies, caterpillars, wasps, katydids, mantises, etc. is easy to understand. Keep them coming!