Bob Durden

Thanks for the identification, Reza. You were spot on. I'd never seen this moth before yesterday.

It looks like it may be a bald-faced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata, but I cannot be certain from the picture. The hive looks right, but I cannot make out the color and markings of the wasp. The variation in the paper is stunning. Thanks for sharing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald-faced_....

Thanks all. I'm new to Project Noah and just figuring things out. I sense this will derail me from other activities, but it is also a great way to pursue my recent interests in hymenoptera as well as other critters.

The nest is pre manufactured and very disappointing. It is Masonite so it hasn't held up well to moisture. I'm fairly certain that the cell larvae have not survived the heat. They should have hatched already. I recently moved the hive to a shadier location. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have so many different wasps in the garden that I'm certain the proper location will make a difference.

I have a winter project in mind, crafting wasp hives of different shapes and sizes that will line my backyard fence. I think the hives need a bit of a "roof" to protect from water and too much sun.

Tim, I'll look for the "architecture" mission. I love all things nest related.