Eric, the Half-a-Bee?

[silversolitaire]

Okay, that doesn't really fit, but this week's Doctor Who episode definitely made me sing that song in my head all the time now! *g*

And right on cue, I had the opportunity today to snap a couple of pictures of a hornet! I want to share them with you because I think they're most amazing!



Isn't she just so beautiful?



Er yes, my funky fingernails are showing on this one! ^^;;; I was experimenting with some new nail polish I got for my toes to match my new sandals... uhm, yeah.



If I'm not mistaken, this is a European Hornet. When I stop being lazy, I'll take out my snazzy entomology book I got from no_ron and do a proper taxonomy.





So fuzzy! <3



This is the most amazing shot ever. How often do you get to see the bottom of a hornet! Fantastic! As you can see, she was busy drinking up the drops on the glass! *g*



Close-up on head. So sleek and beautiful!

And just to clear up with a myth? Hornets are not dangerous. Their sting is actually less poisonous than the one of a wasp and just about as painful, and they are in fact a lot less aggressive than wasps. So, stop trying to kill those poor creatures all the time. No wonder they're endangered.

Comments

[arthal.livejournal.com]

So gross. :P

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

NO! D:

[kmazzy.livejournal.com]

those are awesome photos! what kind of camera do you have?

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I have a Minolta Dimage Z2. Not the best for this purpose, most likely, but it has a pretty decent macro function which allows me to take such snazzy pictures of insects! :D

[kribban.livejournal.com]

Cute! Cute nails too.

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

Thanks! X3 You should see my toes! Hehehe...

[birdisland.livejournal.com]

That is one beautiful hornet, and the photos are just stunning! :)

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

Thank you! ^^ I'm always happy when people appreciate the beauty of insects and don't go EEEEEEEEEW!!!!!!

[tragical-mirth.livejournal.com]

That is so pretty. I think hornets over here look different? Or maybe I've just always been pointed out the wrong bee. I thought they were black all over!

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think the US mainly has bald-faced hornets which are almost completely black. Like most insects, there are dozens of different kinds within one genus and all of them are beautiful! :D

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

did you use a tripod and flash?

Stunning!

[silversolitaire.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

No, I just held the glass the hornet was crawling around on into my hand and snapped pictures with my camera, using the macro function. Nothing fancy at all!

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

you crop well :)

[deadinfrared.livejournal.com]

awww! she's so pretty.

gahah. i sound like a girl.

[no-ron.livejournal.com]

i may be wrong, but i think what you have there is a yellowjacket (Paravespula).
a hornet is somewhat larger (although that part is a bit hard to judge from the pics alone) and the darks of its thorax are more brownish than black. also, i doubt you'd want to mess around with a hornet on a glass.. it's quite respect-commanding. :)

very cool pics. insect anatomy is quite amazing! *_*

[johanirae.livejournal.com]

*screams like a girl*

But still, cuteness.