Daily Archives: January 7, 2011
Hartley R. from Vancouver BC, forwarded me a photo taken by Daryl A. from Vancouver, BC and asked for some feedback.
This blue nesting tray (an Eco-Quicklock corn tray from Beediverse) contains a beneficial wasp pupae. The adult collects either spiders, aphids or larvae as food for its offspring. The adult beneficial wasp paralyses the food and then lays an egg on top. By the end of the summer, the beneficial wasp larvae or grub has eaten its food supply and develops into a pupae. The pupae overwinters and emerges during the late spring or summer months when temperatures are right. A great beneficial insect!
It has a very fragile paper like covering so I usually leave it inside the nesting tunnel, reassemble the nesting tray and set it outside again – ready for next season.
