A female Giant Ichneumon wasp (Megarhyssa macrurus) oviposits into the side of a tree.

I was honored to have this observation selected as observation of the day for June 11, 2020, and again as observation of the week (week of June 21, 2020). It is covered in this blog post: A Trip to Texas Provides a Long Sought Photographic Opportunity - Observation of the Week, 6/21/20.

Brantford, ON
Female
Check out the aquatic beetle scampering up its leg with malice intent!
I saw this behaviour twice when I was there. The darner would just burst into the air and easily shed it. Not a problem for this powerful dragon I shouldn't think...

on 美人蕉 Canna indica

photos taken on

day 1 x 2,

day 5 x 2 (one photo is the 1st shedded skin on day 2 or 3),

day 8 x 2 (one photo is the 2nd shedded skin),

day 13 x 2 (one photo is the 3rd shedded skin),

day 17 x 2,

day 18 x 2 (one photo is the shedded head, the other one with the 4th shedded skin),

day 21 x 1

day 25 x 2 (one photo is the 5th shedded skin)

day 26 x 1

day 27 x 3

day 28 x 1

day 30 x 1 (retreated to an upper corner of the breeding tank, fasting and waiting for the next shedding)

day 33 x 2 (one photo is the 6th shedded skin and head)

day 39 x 1

day 41 x 1

day 43 x 1

day 46 x 1 (pupa hiding in rolling leaf)

day 50 x 1

day 60 x 3 (adult)