a closer look at the wasps

[piranha]

i spent some time this morning identifying these critters. which would have gone faster had i started in the right family, but unfortunately, i had it in my mind that they'd be vespinae. not so; they're polistinae.

polistes dominulus european paperwasp. invasive species to the americas; apparently broadening its range steadily. first recorded nest in BC 2004 (i think i saw a couple of tiny colonies the year before that though). this is a decent-sized nest compared to the tiny one; we have a few slightly larger ones as well. they appear to not be terribly aggressive from nest to nest; several of the nests adjoin.

closeup look, you can see larvae in various stages of development! i made 1000x750 images for the scrapbook so that's more visible.

knowing that it's an invader, and seeing just how much the population has grown here in the last couple of years means i should really destroy these nests, *sigh*. i find this excruciatingly difficult.

Comments

[leiacat.livejournal.com]

I would be very, very grateful if you lj-cut this. My phobias twitch.

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

I'd find it difficult too.

[jinian.livejournal.com]

Extermination is probably the right thing, but I wouldn't want to do it either. Invasive plants are so much easier emotionally.

[serenejournal.livejournal.com]

Wow, they're really beautiful. For what it's worth, I'd be sharing your reluctance.

[lizw.livejournal.com]

That's one of those situations where I've yet to decide what I think the right course of action is. I'm fairly clear that I think invading species that are interbreeding with the indigenous species and otherwise harmless should be left to get on with it, and invaders that are somehow endangering human life should be got rid of. Everything inbetween is a hugely uncomfortable grey area for me.

[lorres.livejournal.com]

While you're deciding you might wish to consult with a nearby/local wildlife expert/entomologist and get more information.