Editorial photo #13907616 Human Interest

A House Gecko Hunting An Indian Yellow Paper Wasp - Hemidactylus Frenatus - Polistes Olivaceus - Rare Encounter - Animal India

A common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) hunts an Indian yellow paper wasp (Polistes olivaceus) in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on June 30, 2026. Geckos often target wasps and their larvae, ambushing nests at night when the wasps are dormant. They utilize their nocturnal behavior to approach nests and use quick strikes with their sticky tongues to catch insects. If adult wasps are alert, geckos may consume unprotected eggs and larvae instead. Despite their nighttime advantage, geckos can be stung if wasps defend their nests. In this rare incident observed at noon, a gecko hunted an adult wasp from a nest and, despite being stung, managed to survive. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)