7 replies to this topic

[sgheaton]

Wasp? Hornet? Yellow Jacket? It ended up in my W.H.Y. trap.. that I put it right over where a nest has been in the past. (Electrical green box in the center of the yard. Previous journal entries have shown the location).

 

Watering plants yesterday. Hot as hell in Colorado. The L. Flavus have moved into the Lavender bush which has got 6 bees on it at anytime. Also noticing some sweat bees. Insects. Anyways..

 

Noticed this giant beaster in one of the two traps. Normally I wouldn't think much about it but it was the biggest one I've seen in awhile. And I thought of TC and how he'd be able to tell me what it was... so I took a picture. Didn't measure length. Fairly certain it'll be dead today after baking in 95 degrees all day. 

 

So while I don't know if its actually a queen or not ... Is someone able to educate me on what this is and ways I can know in the future? 

 

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[Salmon]

Probably a Vespula queen.

[T.C.]

Probably a Vespula queen.

I'd agree.

[sgheaton]

Is that the most common wasp? There is always a nest in this spot so I tried to get it early. 

 

If I lived out in the country and could dedicate an area to leave them be, it would be one thing.

 

Sorry Vespula, Zagara, the Brood Mother has spoken!

[mbullock42086]

these actually make good captives I've seen people rear these in the past and do quite well- they are alot more patient and orderly in captivity than you'd think

[Mercutia]

I have a love hate relationship with wasps. I hate them, they're so aggressive sometimes and their sting HURTS. But I also find them so beautiful and fascinating. 

[Canadian anter]

Fire would be too lenient.

[dermy]

these actually make good captives I've seen people rear these in the past and do quite well- they are alot more patient and orderly in captivity than you'd think

It is very hard to get them to start out, but yes wasps aren't as crazy in captivity as you'd think. I really like them for Free-Ranging though since colonies start to eat a lot once you get around 20 workers and 2 combs of brood going on.