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Photo#1439239
Anoplius depressipes - Anoplius depressipes - female
Copyright © 2017 Scott King

Anoplius depressipes - Anoplius depressipes - Female
Northfield, Rice County, Minnesota, USA
September 11, 2017
Read about this wasp and its special talent years ago in Howard Ensign Evans' book, Wasp Farm. It was wonderful to witness it first hand. I noticed from this photo and the one already posted on BugGuide, that the wasp extends its front feet and uses them like water skis.

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Anoplius depressipes - Anoplius depressipes - female Anoplius depressipes - Anoplius depressipes - female
Contributed by Scott King on 12 September, 2017 - 7:49am
Last updated 12 September, 2017 - 4:17pm

It's
awesome because the front tarsi are modified. They are flattened and have a fringe of hairs on the inside to better take advantage of the surface tension. One of my all-time favorite wasps!
… Nick Fensler, 14 September, 2017 - 11:51am

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… Ken Wolgemuth, 12 September, 2017 - 4:17pm

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