Created 12-Jul-26
Dominant one-on-one, the huge yellowjacket is overwhelmed by a nest of Harvester Ants. Each ant a self-sufficient unit with a simple on-board operating system, together they form a powerful intelligent entity, cooperating to take down a much larger and more powerful foe. Independently, each ant approaches the struggling yellowjacket and does what she can. The most effective latch on to something and hold on, despite everything; one ant grabs the yellowjacket’s antenna, maintaining her grip while the battle rages.
Over the course of six minutes, an eternity to watch such a difficult struggle, the yellowjacket never gives up. Sometimes she seems on the verge of escaping – her wings buzz, she pulls herself up. But only to collapse again, overwhelmed, unable to shake the last few clinging ants.
When we return two hours later, the yellowjacket is nowhere to be seen amongst the still-active ants. Did she finally escape?
Ask me if you want to see a short video. Difficult to watch her thwarted struggles to escape…
The other collection shows dry grassland and shaded forest; early-summer flowers and crimson Poison Oak; butterfly, hawk, swallow, woodpecker, and robin.
Enjoy!
Over the course of six minutes, an eternity to watch such a difficult struggle, the yellowjacket never gives up. Sometimes she seems on the verge of escaping – her wings buzz, she pulls herself up. But only to collapse again, overwhelmed, unable to shake the last few clinging ants.
When we return two hours later, the yellowjacket is nowhere to be seen amongst the still-active ants. Did she finally escape?
Ask me if you want to see a short video. Difficult to watch her thwarted struggles to escape…
The other collection shows dry grassland and shaded forest; early-summer flowers and crimson Poison Oak; butterfly, hawk, swallow, woodpecker, and robin.
Enjoy!
Like Drones Attacking a Battleship: Harvester Ants Swarm Western Yellowjacket
Visitors 1
42 photos
Created 12-Jul-26
Modified 12-Jul-26
7/2/2026 Blossoms in Dry Weather, Birds and Butterfly: Early Summer in Grassland and Forest
Visitors 0
24 photos
Created 12-Jul-26
Modified 12-Jul-26
Dan Quinn