Storm's Aftermath

The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto blew through the area last night. After a pretty fierce storm with lots of wind and rain, the aftermath were the typical leaves and branches and power lines. One home I didn't expect to be likewise affected was a hive of wasps (black and cream/whitish striped). The swirl pattern of the hive was just gorgeous and reminded me of the geological patterns found in canyons. The shape could have been straight out of modern architecture or the Guggenheim Museum. Perhaps architects looked to nature for their ideas.

The poor hive was a mess though. Helpless grubs were laying out in the grass drying out and getting cold while the adult workers tried to salvage their home. Clearly, the home was ripped from the anchor point to reveal some of the 'rooms'. Many of the wasps were sluggish most likely due to the cool temps from the storm plus the damage to the hive which was now unable to maintain its toasty temp as the insulating walls had been breached. It was a sad state to witness, yet it's a universal experience for all creatures on this earth to go through and understand. There was nothing I could do to help (certainly without getting stung I'm sure), but nature is best left to her business.

The picture does not do this hive justice as these insect architects created a colorful home that the camera did not quite capture (this photographer's fault). Though wasps can be a nuisance, enjoyment and appreciation of what they and nature are truly capable of should be done before you bring out the insecticide.