When I moved a stone slab kept inclined against the wall, I found this on the side facing towards the wall. I wanted to make a bench. There was this sole wasp guarding the small hive. It can sting powerfully as it once did to me a few years ago. Which is this please?
Hi, I am no expert but ifthey have a long body and the nest is quite small it may be a "paper wasp" of some type. They are vey common by us here in France and often build smallish nests in and around our home and car. They can sting if threatened but normally just go about their business and ignore us. They are considered good as they kill a lot of other pests.
http://www.pestcontrolindia.com/know-your-pest/pest/insect-common-pests-paper-wasp-common-wasp-mud-daubers-13-19-55.aspx
Thanks Dave. I'll see. Yes, it does look like the paper wasp. And it is a nice link you gave.
This wasp appears to be a Ropaldia sp. and not a Vespula - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ropalidia_marginata
Flap, when you said Ropalidia, I suddenly remembered it. In fact, I have my own entry here: http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/4665/ I had completely forgotten. Thanks. I'll add the better images now there. My check in my BF list revealed this.
