Caterpillar nightmare
I was combing the leaves and flowers of a Bridal Veil Hydrangea for intriguing insects when I came face to face with a Paper Wasp that was too busy eating something to pay much attention to me. I got as close as the focus range of the 85mm Micro lens would allow and, through the viewfinder, I got a great look at what the predator was doing. The wasp had subdued a caterpillar—there wasn't enough left of the unfortunate lepidopteran larva to come up with an ID—and the insect was eating it. I think—this is shudder worthy—the caterpillar was still marginally alive. So it is with the natural world, a place that Stephen King must find eternally inspirational. Clearly, I did too, since I didn't avert my gaze... or my photographic pursuits. Gross, but fascinating.