Common wasp in flight (Vespula vulgaris) Science Image

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Common wasp. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) flying. Most wasps are social insects, living in a nest founded in the spring by a lone queen. The queen lays eggs, while the workers gather food and tend the young. In the autumn, the workers leave the nest to die, while the queen prepares herself for hibernation. Magnification: x1.7 when printed 10cm wide.