A Thirsty Wasp During The Heatwave In India
A thirsty juvenile yellow paper-wasp (Polistes olivaceus) drinks water from a small puddle on a wall during a heat wave in West Bengal. The state is experiencing an intense heat wave, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 45.1 degrees Celsius. Yellow paper-wasps are often found near water sources as they need to stay hydrated, particularly during hot and dry conditions. Wasps do not merely drink water; they also mix it with wood pulp to construct their nests, use it to cool their nests on hot days, and share it with their nest mates and larvae. These insects collect and transfer water by first swallowing it and then regurgitating it into the mouths of other wasps, in a process known as trophallaxis. Wasps can often be found hovering near water, which is vital for their hydration, especially in extreme heat and dryness. However, they must be cautious because if their wings become too wet, they will be unable to fly. This photo was taken in Tehatta, West Bengal, India on April 22, 2024. (Photo by Soumyabrat
- Product Code
- ILEA002601144
- Registered date
- 2024/4/22 00:00:00
- Credit
- NurPhoto / Kyodo News Images
- Media source
- Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
- Media size
- 5380 × 3754 pixel
- Deployment size
- 8.28(MB)*
*File size when opened in Photoshop, etc.