Interesting post about this little yellow wasp, @agmoore. You’ve also drawn a very accurate conclusion about low temperatures; this factor often affects many insects because they are “cold-blooded” (ectotherms). That’s precisely why it’s quite common to see butterflies perched on plants with their wings spread out in the sun: they need to warm up. Insects have no natural way to regulate their body temperature, so they depend on the ambient temperature to survive.

In some cases, I adjust the temperatures for certain specimens to study them, but I always make sure to do so in a controlled manner so as not to kill them or cause them severe stress; the goal is to return them to their habitat as soon as possible once the experiment is over.

I hope you’re doing well; I wish you and your family a wonderful week.