Black and White Photography by Robert David Atkinson.
"My life as a yellow jacket is a whirlwind of activity and purpose, packed into a few short summer months. I began my journey as a helpless larva and transformed daily, taking on new responsibilities within our bustling colony.
As the days grew warmer and longer, my world expanded beyond the confines of the hive. I became a forager, venturing into the great outdoors to sustain our growing family. The fields and gardens became my hunting grounds, and I reveled in the thrill of the chase. But time is a fickle companion for a yellow jacket, and as the season waned, I felt the certainty of my life's fleeting nature. The chill of autumn whispered the end of my journey, and I knew that, like a fallen warrior on a battlefield, I, too, would soon return to the earth. Yet, in my brief existence, I found purpose, camaraderie, and the undeniable beauty of a life well-lived within the vibrant tapestry of our natural world." – RDA