Several weeks back, we were going for our evening swim in the lake. The water was like glass. As I waded out from shore, I saw a bug fluttering on he surface of the water.
Thinking it was most likely a mayfly in distress, I was shocked when I realized that I had come upon an American Pelecinid Wasp (Pelecinus polyturator).
As it sat on the tip of my fingertip drying off, I carefully walked toward the shore. Having left my cameras at home, all I could do was appreciate its beauty. I left it on a stick on the beach - frustrated that I might never see one again.
However, several days later and armed with my camera, I was walking along a trail when I spied another Pelecinid Wasp resting a leaf of a Honeysuckle Bush. I carefully approached. Camera set. Bug set. Then snap, a branch under my foot gave way -- the wasp was gone.
Yesterday. Walking in the woods. Another wasp graced me with its presence and its patience. This time, better luck.
I wondered if this was a bit of bug karma -- one wasp paying me back for saving one of its own...
