Queen Median Wasp (Dolichovespula media)

I was standing in my garden this morning staring at the Ivy on one fence, in disappointment and disbelief

Most of the new growth, which I've been monitoring following my recent neighbour's attempt to massacre the Ivy, died in the frost overnight.....

Then I spotted this Queen......

comments (14)

Christine Young

Lion

Ugh, sorry about your ivy! I hope it can grow back. Fantastic spotting, though! Posted 3 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Please add the geotag. Thanks! Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Philip Booker
    
    Lion
    
    Good point... Posted 3 years ago
3. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  I wouldn't have minded (too much) if they had lightly trimmed their side of the fence but they actually reached over and cut thick branches from my side.
  
  The neighbour apologised when I spoke to him, and said he didn't really kniow what he was doing.
  
  Then he asked for my phone number, so he could consult the next time.
  
  I couldn't resist....:
  
  "Do you not know where I live"? Posted 3 years ago
4. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I think the vast majority of people have no idea how to garden in a wildlife-friendly way or why that even matters. I'm still happily surprised your neighbor is decent enough to admit a mistake. I secretly hope he would get to know about all your wonderful discoveries and gets hooked himself.
    
    But I guess that means directly facing another human :) Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Philip Booker
      
      Lion
      
      When they moved in I spoke to them about the gardens mentioning the rare species found there and particularly the value of the Ivy.
      
      They said they like to "live in sync with nature" since then they've cut down a large Noweegain Spruce, completely covered one flower bed with woodchip and hard cut back the Ivy (which will recover, I think).
      
      I'll keepn working on them ::-) Posted 3 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        You're fighting the good fight, Philip :). Posted 3 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Have you heard of this website?
        https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/explore-rewilding/what-is-rewilding Posted 3 years ago
        
        Philip Booker
        
        Lion
        
        I have now!
        
        Thank you.
        Posted 3 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        You're welcome! Posted 3 years ago
      3. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Play on things people care about: time and money.
        "See, when you leave this bit alone, it's good for wildlife. Plus you get to do even less." Posted 3 years ago
      4. Philip Booker
        
        Lion
        
        That tactic is top of my list......because it's true. Posted 3 years ago

William Bodine

Lion

Great even lighting and focus was spot on. Posted 3 years ago
1. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  Cheers
  
  I'm not too hung up on the technical side as long as I get the subject.
  
  However if as in this case, the subject stays put for a while, one can take a little more time to try to improve the initial shots. Posted 3 years ago

The Median wasp

The median wasp is a species of social wasp of the family Vespidae found throughout Europe and Asia. It builds aerial paper nests often in shrubs or trees, and occasionally under the eaves of buildings.

Info 2 1

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Philip Booker