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Polistes dominula
The European Paper wasp is native to the Mediterranean. It was discovered in the eastern U.S. in the late 1970s and has rapidly increased throughout the U.S.. Larvae are fed masticated caterpillars and other insects (our native species prey only on caterpillars). European Paper wasps are excellent predators of many pest insects and have become one of the most important natural controls of many kinds of yard and garden insects, however, these wasps may have a negative impact on rare or endangered butterflies and our native paper wasps.
Europe, Asia, continues to expand throughout North America. A variety of habitats; Fields, meadows, gardens, yards.
Observed capturing & masticating a Candystriped leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea).
Spotted on Jun 14, 2012
Submitted on Jun 15, 2012
11 Comments
Marta, no it's not the same one, in fact there are hundreds of these hoppers in the garden... they are rather pesty :(
Wow! is that the same hopper that you have in another spotting? Lucky you could make a pic before it was eaten!
Thank you everyone for the nice comments!!
Beautiful captures and series :)
Detailed Capture ... so nice !!
Whoa never seen these with prey before, how amazing!
Thank you so much Alice & Daniel :)
Thank you and so sorry Cindy! I know how you love the leafhoppers. There are so many feasting in the garden, I was happy to see this wasp preying on something else besides my Swallowtail caterpillars :)
Wow, great series. And great micro.
Beautiful Job!
Beautiful series! Poor little Leafhopper :)