Those of you who may recall my initial post for V. sulphurea from last year, will know just how happy it makes me to be able to finally post these new images. Since my last post, I have been dutifully scrutinizing every one of the abundant V. pensylvanica population around my place with ever high hopes of another sighting, but kept coming up dry. Then, yesterday, as I approached the pool to do some "rescue work", I saw this yellowjacket clinging to the metal hand rail. Even from quite some distance, I could make out the bold, yellow, parallel markings and as a wide grin spread across my face, I repeated "Please, don't fly away..." under my breath as I fumbled to get my camera out. Although the wasp seemed to be in good shape, I think it must have been recovering from at least a brief dunk in the pool as it was extremely preoccupied with grooming itself and there was noticeable detritus still clinging to parts of its body. Perhaps for this reason, it allowed me to get my lens ridiculously close and didn't seem in the least bit bothered by my activities. After getting a good number of shots, I actually coaxed it to climb off the railing onto the more pleasing set-up you see in this photo, where it remained for a few more pictures before flying off to wherever its next destination might be...

I believe from studying the drawings on the Discover Life website, that this is a female, but would love to have confirmation from someone more familiar with the Hymenoptera.

Mixed oak & chaparral habitat.