Ichneumon Wasp (Female)

According to my "Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America," this beautiful wasp, found today on a tree at Eastern College Pond locates other wasp's larvae deep in the tree trunk, using her antennae to detect the scent of a fungus associated with the larvae.   Then she penetrates the trunk with that three inch ovipositor at the bottom of her abdomen.  She secretes a chemical that breaks down the wood, and then lays her eggs on the larvae. The new larvae then feed on and kill the original larvae.  All of this was happening today at Eastern College Pond.

Dawn in Gloucester

Jon and Piper Praising the Morning Light (Actually Jon was trying to get Piper  to put the sun on her finger for the photo.)

Dawn and the Fishing Boat

The Surfer

Good Harbor Beach