Paper Wasp Close-Up

A paper wasp (Polistes) is perched at the right edge of the frame on a plant surface. The insect's black body with yellow markings is lit from above; a shallow depth of field keeps the head and front legs sharp while the wings and background blur to dark, muted tones. The wasp's sculpted head shows fine punctures on the exoskeleton and its antennae curve inward toward the lens.