Megascolia maculata - Mammoth wasp

Mammoth wasp. Europe's largest wasp.

For more about this painting read Caroline Zimmermann's Artist's Blog Megascolia maculata, a Murder Hornet, and a Case of Mistaken Identity.

Excerpt:

"It was one of the first warm days of the year. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this enormous black wasp in front of our garage. I had never seen such an insect here in Tuscany before. Just recently I did read an alert online of an invasion of a frightfully concerning insect: The Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa Mandarinia). Also known as the “Murder Hornet”, this grotesquely large hornet can decimate a honey bee hive in 40 minutes, systematically killing all the bees by decapitation.

The Horror!  Could this really be one of the first of these invasive species now here in our part of Tuscany? Not only is the hornet a danger to bees and beehives, it is also very venomous, with a 1/4" stinger that can inflict agonizing pain. I have a history of being allergic to bees and wasps and do live in fear of being stung. I keep an epinephrine injector here at all times, just in case."  

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Megascolia maculata is part of Caroline's new collection, The Insectarium.

Tiny Lessons in Life taught to her by the Insect world.