Wasp nest in rabbit burrow

ellen h · #1 (**permalink**) 14-09-2011, 06:02 PM

While walking through my local country park I thought I would try another trail to my usual one.My dog was ahead sniffing around when he stopped and looked quizzically down at a rabbit burrow.As I approached I noticed what initially I took to be some sort of fungi but a closer look showed it was a wasp nest-and pretty active!!!
Luckily Rusty carried on walking the path-I think due to the fact he is deaf he couldnt hear the buzzing so didnt investigate further.....I hastily took a few shots and walked quietly but quickly away......beautiful nest and seemed to spread right down the burrow

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 14-09-2011, 07:18 PM

That's fascinating Ellen, I knew they used old holes in the ground but never seen one above the ground like this..
You were very brave I don't think I would have been if it was me stumbling over it..
Thanks for sharing great shots.

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 14-09-2011, 07:24 PM

Wasps especially the Vespula species often nest underground in mammal burrows. Was this definitely in a rabbit burrow or was there disturbance around it? Although it looks very intact I have found several recently dug up nests by badgers. Wasps usually go a bit deeper into the burrow.

ellen h · #4 (**permalink**) 14-09-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Wasps especially the Vespula species often nest underground in mammal burrows. Was this definitely in a rabbit burrow or was there disturbance around it? Although it looks very intact I have found several recently dug up nests by badgers. Wasps usually go a bit deeper into the burrow.

I am sure it was a rabbit burrow as area is full of them,what you can see in the photos is about six inches down the burrow- the hole(and nest)carries on down for another six inches or so before disappearing out of sight at an angle...it looked very much intact and there was no disturbance at all....I may go and have another look-with more caution this time-over the weekend

eucera · #5 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 09:28 AM

Nest colour suggests V. germanica

Billabong Karen · #6 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 09:51 AM

Posted this already under insect of the day, but thought you might be interested in case you hadnt already seen it; a hornet's nest in a disused nesting box:

Bad photo as taken with the phone, but will try to get a better one soon. Lots of hornets, and they have chosen a super site - quite high up, gets the morning sunlight but afternoon shade... Clever little (ok, not so little) chaps... Will they continue to use it through the winter, or do they need somewhere with more insulation?