#astata

[northerlyy]

Predatory Wasp (Genus Astata), male, taken September 29, 2025, in Georgia, US

A very handsome and somewhat fly-like wasp perching on a bunch of dead flowers! This guy was the ultimate subject, posing at many different angles and holding still for minutes at a time, likely perturbed by my presence. He threw me for a loop when I first saw him because eyes that touch and a fuzzy face are usually traits I associate with flies! I knew he couldn't be one, however, because he has two pairs of wings which all flies lack, even wasp-mimics. This genus is apparently known for preying on stink and shield bugs, so the rice stink bugs that are abundant in these fields better watch out!

[enlacedelacosta]

Denuncian caza de fauna silvestre en Santiago Astata

>> Con el respaldo de las autoridades, los pobladores prohiben la cacería ilegal de fauna silvestre; denuncian caza ilegal de venado en terrenos de la comunidad.

>> Con el respaldo de las autoridades, los pobladores prohiben la cacería ilegal de fauna silvestre; denuncian caza ilegal de venado en terrenos de la comunidad. Continue reading

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[pauxhis]

Hace un mes, aproximadamente... #Atardecer #Oaxaca #Astata #IstmoDeTehuantepec (en La Enramada playa copil)

[dendroica]

Astata unicolor (by me)

I initially thought this was a fly mimicking a bee, but it turned out to be a wasp instead. Male wasps in genus Astata are unusual in having their eyes meet on the tops of their heads. They often perch on top of dead plants, as this one is doing.