Today these little ones were found all over the nest. I got these pictures in the evening, but there were many more out during the day. They look like parasitoid wasps, only much smaller than the others. I'm happy though, this means more biodiversity in my yard. Also, I have another one just like it that mason bees have started to visit. They seem to be too close and it is easy access for the wasps. This may mean that more spacing betweem holes is better for the bees.
Gardening in Utahs Wasatch mountain region. USDA hardiness 5a has a lot to offer. A grow log of rare and unusual plants in a cold temperate climate. A look at home gardening techniques with an emphasis on plant descriptions and an illustrated chronology of their growth and development.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Solitary Bee Nesting blocks
So I made a few nesting blocks for bees. I took a pine post and drilled 3/8" holes about an inch apart from each other. There are already 10 complete shafts filled and counting. This particular one is facing north, which is usually discouraged because of the cold temperature. However, it is important to consider access, this hive looks directly over my garden, so it is no wonder why many have taken up residence there. I have lilac bushes on the other side of the garden, which they are suppose to like. I have also noticed notches taken out of the buckwheat I seed all over the yard, and the rocky mountain columbines I grew this winter indoors and transplanted.
So far I have identified a few megachilids and their leaf lined nests. The last picture appears to be a parasitoid wasp lingering around, but that's just a guess.
So far I have identified a few megachilids and their leaf lined nests. The last picture appears to be a parasitoid wasp lingering around, but that's just a guess.
It has been 2 1/2 months since the Trellis for the front yard was built. About 2 months ago four litchi tomatoes were planted in the bed, along with a dill, fennel(fennel helps dill, dill helps fennel,) and a couple of nasturtium plants. Scarlet runner beans were planted to grow up the trellis, lettuce was planted between the beans and the litchi tomatoes to take advantage of the nitrogen from the beans and the shade from the litchi. Chamomile was spread around the tomatoes to give a living mulch. In the second picture you can see how sturdy stemmed the litchi tomato is. I think a long sturdy stake is helpful. The red flowers are the scarlet runner beans. It had been a cold and wet spring this year and they germinated late.
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