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Cicada Killer

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted August 17, 20042,385 views9 comments

Hello Everyone,

This immature cicada killer wasp (??) was found in my favorite macro spot. I saw it out of the corner of my eye while setting up to shoot a green tree frog. I believe this to be a cicada killer because I found an adult on a plant nearby and it had the same markings as the immature specimen shown. If anyone knows for sure what kind of wasp this is, please let me know. (length ~1/2"). I think it's interesting how it's jaws grasp the stem.

Canon 300D, 80-200L w/68mm ext tubes, 1/2 sec, f16, ambient light, RAW, levels, usm, 75% crop, tripod, MLU, electronic release

8/15/04 7:23 am

Regards,

David Chauvin

Laplace, Louisiana

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by William Brozy on August 17, 2004 at 8:46 PM

Ok so I am jealous

For one this is a great subject and captured wonderfully - I haven't come across these on my travels David.

Secondly, you get to hang and image with Ronnie

Registered on November 9, 2003, 559 Posts, 2929 Comments

Comment posted by Jay Barnes on August 17, 2004 at 10:52 PM

Cool-looking bug! A tiny bit of fill-flash (or CP) might have overcome the blueish reflections.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 231 Posts, 1153 Comments

Comment posted by Gordon Snelling on August 17, 2004 at 11:14 PM

Very nice shot, however it is actually a small bee, at the moment not quite sure just what genus it is though.

Registered on December 23, 2003, 4 Posts, 40 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Harrison on August 18, 2004 at 6:25 AM

I don't know what it is but I really like the shot. The mouth grasping the stem and the nice bg. Nice capture of the eyes and the body has an interesting look also.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 468 Posts, 3099 Comments

Comment posted by Herman Blockx on August 18, 2004 at 6:31 AM

not sure about the ID but I can tell I like this shot very much!

find and

capture!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 238 Posts, 760 Comments

Comment posted by Ronnie Gaubert on August 18, 2004 at 9:45 PM

David,

Of coarse I know all about this one. Again, great shot and tack sharp. I didn't see any today but I did see tons of those tiny blood suckers. I'm still interested to find out what species this is, very interesting. See you tomorrow with allot of pictures.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 810 Posts, 3495 Comments

Comment posted by Terri Norris on August 19, 2004 at 7:46 PM

What an interesting fellow! Nicely captured, David. I can't help on the ID either, but I'm amazed by that eye!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 395 Posts, 2402 Comments

Comment posted by Gordon Snelling on August 21, 2004 at 8:36 PM

Finally got a firm Id on this critter, checked with my dad and he confirmed my suspiscion that this the genus Coelioxys, they are brood parasites on other members of the Megachilidae. This is a female and in her typical sleeping position. Based on the photo, we cant get it to species.

Registered on December 23, 2003, 4 Posts, 40 Comments

Comment posted by Gregory Lazzaro on September 12, 2006 at 9:37 AM

Excellent macro, love the fine detail, well taken.

Greg

Registered on September 2, 2006, 39 Posts, 143 Comments