Bizarre "King of Wasps" Found in Indonesia

nationalgeographic ^ | March 27, 2012 | Dave Mosher

[MarkL]

all of the wasp specimens caught so far have been dead.

I don't think it would be too difficult or hazardous to "catch" dead wasps. On the other hand, I guess it reads better than "I saw this dead wasp on the ground and picked it up." Sort of loses the whole "Indiana Jones" exploration theme.

Mark

[lefty-lie-spy]

Awesome. We have a giant wasp in northern Japan too, that can often be found in Tokyo. They are called Sparrow Wasps or スズメバチ in Japanese. They are at least two inches long and highly venomous. A sting by one of these guys is said to be excruciatingly painful and usually requires antivenin treatment. Ive run into them on several occasions around local parks.

[Reily]

I have read that “secretions” (I am slightly nauseous thinking about what that may mean!) from this wasp are sold in Japan as an “energy & endurance” drink.

[lefty-lie-spy]

I’m not sure about that, but there lots of interesting edibles out here. A few years ago I ordered a can of wasp larva and and a jar of roasted grasshoppers from northern Japan. They are great rice toppings. I love eating strange food.

[left that other site]

OMG! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[JoeProBono]

[SatinDoll]

Probably the same place the Federal Reserve gets money - out of thin air!

[Northern Yankee]

Ahhh... great minds think alike!

I saw a blurb on these almost a week ago and thought that maybe we're having a flash forward. Just gotta stay away from those critters.

[Northern Yankee]

Finished Hunger Games last Monday, and then went to the movie on Tuesday.

Although there were a few differences in the movie, I thought it was well done.