Worm Holes

[Tinkerbell]

We have a weeping pear tree in the garden, which sheds some of its leaves onto the lawn. My husband has noticed that something gathers leaves together (maybe 10) and then drags them downwards into a tiny 'hole' from which it is quite difficult to extract them from, by pulling. Some parts of the leaf remain above ground, sticking out of the hole.

Has anyone any idea what might be at work here and why?

Tinkerbell

[fbcpmike]

Originally Posted by Tinkerbell

My husband has noticed that something gathers leaves together (maybe 10) and then drags them downwards into a tiny 'hole' from which it is quite difficult to extract them from, by pulling. Some parts of the leaf remain above ground, sticking out of the hole.

A solitary or Mining Bee ?

[Gill Catton]

I think earth worms will collect leaves from the surface.... but I'm not sure where I know that from.....

[ron1863]

Could just me a mouse nest building.

[Pigeon feather]

How big a hole are we talking about roughly? because my immediate thought was some kind of rodent but if it is really tiny then probably some kind of insect or worm as has been mentioned.

[naturelover]

is it in your lawn or a bank of some sort,if its the lawn i too think worms,but if its some where else could be rats but the hole would have to be about three ins across,if its smaller then it would be a mouse.

[Tinkerbell]

Thanks folks - the hole is no bigger than my small finger tip (once the leaves are pulled out). So if it's worms, why do they do it? Same question if it's a bee?

Tinkerbell

[Lance Morgan]

Worms -they feed on it and put all the nurtrients back into the soil. Clever they are.

[Deer Stalker]

Yep, worms dragging leaves back down their hole to eat where its safe.

[mrs fish]

Good old worms