Metricus Paper Wasp

Description:

Large paper wasp. Black wings and abdomen. Redish brown head and thorax.

Habitat:

Blueberry bushes

Notes:

This wasp was cutting its way through the webs of Fall Web Worms to get at the caterpillars feeding within. I once observed a wasp kill a caterpillar. Within a few seconds it skinned the caterpillar, rolled the skin up into a ball and flew off. Leaving a mushy glob which ants immediately were on. The wasp returned but the ants fought it off.