Polistes Exclamans Wasp

I never used to give much though to wasps. They were just there, on the periphery, somewhat unpleasant summer facts, to be avoided when possible.

Then I spent one summer sitting on the front swing watching them and realized that they are beautiful. They fly with long, slender, graceful shapes dancing through the air.

And they are full of unexpected variety and beauty. Look at this one, for example. She's not the "classic" black and yellow. She's gold and honey.

Just to be clear, though: I'm still steering away from those stings!