Wasps in ground.

[Persquen]

I have recently noticed many wasps (not a swarm) flying around just above ground level and confined to an area of around 3 sq m. They arrive when the sun comes out in the morning and are gone when it gets cooler. There are no obvious signs of a major nest but do notice little mounds of earth (miniature molehills) with the occasional wasp emerging from small hole. There is no consistent entering of any main hole to indicate a nest and no signs of wanting to attack when area approached. I didn't think at this time of year wasp would be forming a new nest in the ground. Any body any ideas as to what is going on.
Thankyou
Persquen

[Rossco]

These sound like mining bees, some sort of Andrena species. rather than wasps. These bees form colonies in suitable areas and like you say, the nest opening looks like a miniature mole hill.

If the weather's warm and there's nectar around they will still be active, desperately trying to rear another brood of young before it gets too cold. They represent absolutely no danger and they should be encouraged by leaving patches of bare soil in suitably sunny spots.

[JRsbugs]

Hi Persquen, welcome to WAB.

Take a look at Mellinus arvensis, they are active now and make the nest you describe. Thay are harmless, taking a fly into the nest to lay an egg on for food.

Janet

[applebren]

I have been feeding the wasps in the garden with sultanas and they love them, getting a bit tipsy but they are so interesting to watch etc., alas now they are not as prolific but i shall look forward to next year when the next lot arrive, much aligned the wasp !!

[eucera]

Hi. I wonder if you might have a nesting aggregation of the Autumn-flying mining-bee Colletes hederae (a specialist on Ivy)? Check out the webpages at Eyes open for Colletes hederae

A pic would be very helpful of course, as would information about where you are.

[Billyfozz]

I have the same thing leaving little mounds of soil with a burrow in the middle


My son caught one for me to take a picture of.

[JRsbugs]

Hello Billyfozz,

Yours is Mellinus arvensis.

[Billyfozz]

Thanks for the quick reply.


Can they sting? and will they go back to their little burrows? He left the container open by where he found them but it was dark.

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Billyfozz

Thanks for the quick reply.


Can they sting? and will they go back to their little burrows? He left the container open by where he found them but it was dark.

They are more frightened of you than you might be of them, I find them to be very docile and are only interested in making their little nests to reproduce. I'm amazed at the speed with which they make new ones! I don't know if they can sting but they don't attack.

I'm not sure if it would find it's way in the dark, check in the morning to see if it's gone. It might be cold overnight, I really don't know if they spend the nights in their holes, I imagine they would.

[Persquen]

Thanks everybody for all replies. Your pic Billyfozz was spot on- well I thinks so because they move so fast I couldn't get one to pose for me. For info eucera I am currently in Morbihan region of Brittany