Downy JS & a parasitic wasp

[Paul]

Three and out! Sometimes you just cannot keep up with a downy spider! Just shows you that getting a winner is never easy!

 

 

The last 3 are of a parasitic wasp is getting perilously close to the hole where my mason bees are nesting... I hope the search has ended at this hole!

Paul.

[Fogey]

Didn't I read somewhere that the bees defence to the parasitic wasp depends on the temperature at which the wasp can survive.

Once the wasp attacks, the bees swarm over it, effectively suffocating it.  Or am I talking a load of rubbish?

[Paul]

23 hours ago, Fogey said:

Didn't I read somewhere that the bees defence to the parasitic wasp depends on the temperature at which the wasp can survive.

Once the wasp attacks, the bees swarm over it, effectively suffocating it.  Or am I talking a load of rubbish?

Japanese honey bees do this - they swarm in hundreds and vibrate their muscles which heat up and "thermoball" their aggressor (usually hornets). No doubt there will be other bees in places doing similar.

Fortunately here, I discovered that this wasp is Crossocerus sp. a wasp that predates on either flies or planthoppers so my masons are safe!

Paul.

[Ryewolf]

Great set Paul. To be honest this year I haven't bothered with any macro shots so far, my local spot at Spring Woods near Whalley is not producing much as previous years.

[Paul]

Hopefully July and August will see  peak/rise in subjects Geoff.

Paul.