Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Wasp Versus Ants

Red and Black Mason Wasp is watching, and trying to scare off twig ants raiding a newly hatched adult. This appears to be a male mason wasp. The ants were not deterred and killed the just hatching wasp after removing it's antennae.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Lake Butler, Fl, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3200
Copyright: © William Spitzer