Anatomy of a Yellow Jacket

These little guys tend to instill dread and fear in a lot of people because when aroused they can be aggressive and sting repeatedly.  However, as I sat on the patio steps this evening and noticed a few in the plants right beside me they seemed much more interested in eating (at least I think that's what they were doing) than they were in me.  So, I went inside and grabbed the camera and tried to get some shots of these little beasts from different angles.  Fortunately, they seemed oblivious to what I was doing and went about their business leaving me free to shoot at will.  While they can be a nuisance in large numbers, even deadly, they do offer a benefit by consuming insects and helping to keep garden pests in check.  While they are not an endearing creature we want to love, I do find them fascinating when viewing them in these photos.  Hope you enjoy them!