The Brown-legged Wasp, less commonly known as the Brown-legged Grass-carrying Wasp (Isodontia auripes), joins the nectaring festivities on flowers of Winged Sumac (Rhus copallinum). There was so much insect activity on these sumac blossoms it was difficult to pick a subject and stay focused on it.
Winged-sumac forms large flower heads with innumerable small yellow-green flowers. The blossoms are tall and wide, full of nooks and hiding places for bees, wasps, beetles to take a nap (as I found one bumblebee doing) or feast for hours.
If you are looking for a sun-loving shrub with four seasons of interest that supports pollinators - this is it.
Location: Burke Lake Park, Fairfax, Va.
