Sackens Bee Hunter Photograph

This is a Sackens Bee Hunter.  I came across this insect by accident one day.  I thought it was a Bumble Bee at first but I quickly realized it was a bee mimic.  I took a few photographs and began my search on the internet.  I have never seen one of these and I have lived in the same house for 25 years.
It turns out I took photographs of a Sackens Bee Hunter.  These bee mimic will capture and eat other bees.  They blend in and using the same color patterns are Bumble Bees.  They are stripped yellow and black but are not as wide bodied as a Bumble Bee.  They also stand differently in a different posture.
I have not been able to get much information on the internet as these seem to be elusive and not very common.  I found some articles that state they can bite of sting and that it is quite painful.  They are not aggressive and would only sting you if captured or maybe stepped on.  These insect are very good at mimicking bees.  If I wasn’t trained to notice details on insects because of my fascination with macro photography I would have dismissed this Sacken’s Bee Hunter as just another bee.

Juvenile Diamondback Water Snake photographs

These of some photographs of a Juvenile Diamondback Water Snake I caught in Double Oak Texas.  These are one of several common Water Snakes found in the area.  Diamondback Water Snakes are harmless and will attempt to flee if they come in contact with humans.

This is a juvenile Diamondback Water Snake.  Juvenile Diamondback Water Snakes eat minnows and other small fish.  These reptiles are not venomous.  Diamondback Water Snake reach a length of about 5 feet.  These are often found around lakes, ponds and rivers.  They will travel over long distances to find new hunting grounds.  Diamondback Water Snakes are common in Texas.