Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp, Polistes species, in Jimson Weed. There were several Paper wasps prowling around the Jimson Weed flowers. Adult paper wasps are nector feeders, hence their presence in the Jimson week flowers.

However, adult paper wasps will sting soft bodied insects, such as caterpillars, to paralyze them. The wasps then carry the soft bodied insect or caterpillar to their nest for their larvae/grubs to feed on as they are developing.

Spiny Stuff

Close-up of a Jimson Weed Fruit, Datura meteloides. Jimson Weed is a common roadside plant that is related to petunias, tobacco, potatos, peppers, eggplants and tomatos. You can recognize them by their furry (hirsute) leaves. All are a bit toxic. Some more than others. I've been told that the toxin in tomatos and peppers causes allergic reactions in some people and joint pain in others. I'd guess that, in nature, the toxins keep bugs from making a meal of these attractive plants. In any case, Jimson weed is quite attractive with huge, tubular, trumpet-like flowers. It is also highly narcotic and has been known to be fatal. The fruit are spiny, resembling a green rambutan, but the resemblance obviously ends there. Still, they make nice photography subjects.