It is interesting to observe the effect weather conditions have on insect activity, temperature especially. Movement as in the previous post had been rather subdued, but a partly overcast warmer day saw things change dramatically, with two species of native bee and three species of wasp working busily. One Megachile species, a member of the leafcutter, mortar and resin bees, spent the day sealing its nest chamber, bringing tiny pieces of leaf tip, possibly from Grevillea Peaches and Cream, to be chewed up and plastered into the opening. The first image was taken at a quarter past eleven, the next three at approximately two o’clock, and lastly, next day, showing the chamber completely sealed.
Getting started.
Hard at work.
Getting there.
Next day, job done.
Hylaeus nubilosus normally nests in the bamboos, but this time, possibly because of increased competition for sites, and general wariness of the waspish neighbours, they have been checking out holes in the red gum and clay blocks.
The next post will feature Pison wasps.