Vespa analis - Yellow-Vented Hornet

Here is a front view. You can clearly see the group of three ocelli, the bugs flight navigation system. It is believed that this triangulation system of optical sensors, provides not only flight stabilization information, but also GPS style location information.

The wasp itself feeds on sweet nectar, but its young require meat, usually from live bugs. You can see the spikes on the legs, used for gripping its prey.

There are lots of discussions about how you should behave if attacked, much of it conflicting. Personally, I apply knowledge and common sense.

A solitary wasp is not a threat, it should be ignored. Waving hands is just going to irritate the wasp as you have become a threat.

If you see several wasps in the area, this would be a fair indication of a nest nearby. Don’t panic. Look and see if you can identify the nest, look above, up in the trees also. If you spot the nest, simply avoid disturbing it. If you don’t see the nest, move away, don’t take risks, be careful not to bump anything.

If a wasp confronts you, flies from side to side in front of your face, stand still. It is assessing you as a threat, stop being a threat and it will move on. You move on in the opposite direction.

If the wasp stings you, the game is up. It is pointless standing still or lying on the ground, as the pheromone has been released and you have been marked like an infra-red laser. Move away, slowly. If the attack intensifies, I don’t care what the rules are, I will be doing a Linford Christy. Look for cover, a house, barn, water, anything.

If you are aware of your surroundings, such an event will never happen. Carelessness and stupidity is what causes problems.

Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.