cool-critters: Australian hornet (Abispa ephippium)The Australian hornet, actually a type of potter
cool-critters: Australian hornet (Abispa ephippium)The Australian hornet, actually a type of potter wasp or “mason wasp”, is a vespid insect native to the Australian states and territories of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. The Australian hornet is a solitary insect, forming small nests against buildings and other structures. The adult wasp feeds off flower nectar, while the larvae are fed caterpillars captured by the female. A. ephippium is 30 mm in length. Being a member of the potter wasp subfamily (Eumeninae), A. ephippium females build large nests in sheltered positions using mud. The females search for prey (including spiders and caterpillars) around trees and shrubs, before sealing the captured insects inside the nest’s cells. The larvae then feed upon these insects, before emerging. photo credits: James Niland -- source link
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