Invasion of the Hornets

Did you arrive here to check out a scary post?

This is a Lesser Banded Hornet which has multiplied in quantity over time.

They are about 25mm in length.
This particular one is forming a ball.

I used to see them hovering among plants but now they are everywhere.

Someone must have told them I like critter shots...

...and they passed the message to one another.

It took me quite a while to have 3 of them in focus while a few were hovering around me because I was in their way.

They are on a very serious mission to collect wood to complete their nest.
So, please do not try this at home.

Like bees, they love the nectar.

Their diet consists of other insects and perhaps they are here to get rid of papaya fruit flies so that I get a chance to consume my papayas again.

On hot days, they quench their thirst at my lotus flower pot.
No wonder the water has been depleting quickly.
(Ok. I have heard of evaporation.)

There are many types of hornets.
The Lesser Banded Hornet or Vespa affinis has 2 orange bands covering the first and second segment of its abdomen while the rest of the abdomen is black.
It is true that they have grown in numbers, hence the title as such.
But it is not meant to be a scary post.

I am entering this last photo in Gardening Gone Wild's 'Picture This Photo Contest' with the theme Late Summer Garden.

Linking up with :

Macro Friday