NaturePlus: What predated the wasp nest?

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Up to Discussions in Your habitat - home and garden

120 Views 6 Replies Last post: Aug 10, 2018 10:11 AM by Florin - Museum ID team

Vic

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Aug 9, 2018 8:40 AM

What predated the wasp nest?

We found the wasp nest when strimming, accidentally knocked it and got stung. Since then it's grown in size. I noticed that it had been predated this morning but looks as though it might have happened a day or two ago. We know we have hedgehogs, the occasional fox cub but have not seen a badger (we have 3 trail cams). So what would have broken into the nest? It's 680mm from ground and approx 170mm dia at max circumference.

PS. North Wales - if relevant.

Have a possible culprit, see video attached. Have found a reference in British Birds Volume 67 Number 6 June 1974, which includes Great Tit in the appendix list of wasp predators. Unfortunately the video is not evidence of original predator.

Attachments:

IMG_1135.JPG (2.2 MB)
IMG_1134.JPG (4.9 MB)
wasp0001.mp4 (17.1 MB)

Florin - Museum ID team

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Aug 8, 2018 3:39 PM (in response to Vic)
Re: What predated the wasp nest?

I think the only way to find the culprit is to set up a trail camera and wait to see if it will attack again.
Florin

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- Vic
  
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  Aug 8, 2018 5:27 PM (in response to Florin - Museum ID team)
  Re: What predated the wasp nest?
  
  Have done that but it's unlikely anything will have another go until any grubs hatch. Will have to wait and see.
  
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- Vic
  
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  Aug 9, 2018 8:43 AM (in response to Florin - Museum ID team)
  Re: What predated the wasp nest?
  
  Caught a Great Tit on camera, added video to original post.
  
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  - Florin - Museum ID team
    
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    Aug 9, 2018 10:33 AM (in response to Vic)
    Re: What predated the wasp nest?
    
    Well done!
    Florin
    
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    - Vic
      
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      Aug 10, 2018 8:40 AM (in response to Florin - Museum ID team)
      Re: What predated the wasp nest?
      
      Update, we were away yesterday but the Great Tit returned again (luckily later so no sun glare). I am 90% sure that it was probably the original raider. A pair of Magpies went by but showed no interest in the nest at all.
      
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      - Florin - Museum ID team
        
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        Aug 10, 2018 10:11 AM (in response to Vic)
        Re: What predated the wasp nest?
        
        Great detective work! That's what naturalists do, ideally.
        Florin
        
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Aug 9, 2018 8:40 AM

What predated the wasp nest?

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