Apoica pallida, Finca Heimatlos, Ecuador

Found at the permanent mothing structure at Finca Heimatlos. Species in this genus are fully nocturnal. It's best to not pick a fight with them, when they drop venom from their sting, it's a signal for all individuals nearby to gather into a massive mob attack. A view at such a worst case scenario:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoica#/media/File:Marimbondo-chapeu.jpg

Another species in this genus, found in the same minute:

comments (7)

Christine Young

Lion

Completely nocturnal, interesting! Posted 3 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  They do have one daytime activity: waving their wings so cool the nest. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    The temperature regulation of wasp nests is so fascinating! Not only do they have active measures (like the wing fanning you mention), but many passive measures as well: the location of the nest, the vertical openings of the cells, the pedicel, the size of the opening, etc. all play important roles in maintaining the appropriate temperature.
    
    The active cooling measures are interesting because they barf in their nests to add moisture, which then evaporates with the help of their wing fanning thus cooling the nest. It's like sweating, but with vomit. Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Very good and interesting point. As people there's lot's we can learn from wildlife regarding the good use of energy without it requiring lots of input. Posted 3 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Lol, yes. Next time you feel overheated, barf on yourself and then flap your arms. Posted 3 years ago
      2. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        That escalated quickly. Posted 3 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I didn't want to disappoint ;) Posted 3 years ago