I noticed this little dark paper wasp had a deformed wing and was trying to figure out how to get down to the gross water in this cup, so I went inside and cut a grape in half and took it outside for it. It was scared of me at first, and kept standing up very tall and trying to hide without falling, and then it figured out the grape was food, and I got a little video of it climbing aboard.
I have no illusions that this little one will survive long, all things considered, but for the price of half a grape, I was able to put a small kindness into the world, and share a gentle experience with a creature that deeply frightens me right back. The cool photos were a good bonus.
Acherontia species are interesting because they make squeaking sounds from a pharynx by gulping in air, which vibrates a flap in the throat to make the noise. Most bugs create sound by rubbing body parts together.
Their noises are either defensive or meant to mimic queen bee noises (piping), since they love to raid bee hives and steal honey. In fact, they’re super specialized to do this, and are resistant to bee stings, and even mimic bee scents so they seem like just another colony member. Sneaky sneaky :)
