What kind of wasp is this? - Ask Extension
What kind of wasp is this? They appear to be parasitic and targeting our leaf cutter bees and mason bees.
Thanks!
Knowledgebase
What kind of wasp is this? #877698
Asked July 17, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
What kind of wasp is this? They appear to be parasitic and targeting our leaf cutter bees and mason bees.
Thanks!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Scott,
There are Leucospis wasps and they are going after your bees:
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/298854-Leucospis-affinis
We generally recommend bringing in Osmia lignaria blocks by June 1 and sealing them in a paper bag in order to prevent wasp parasitism (i.e., before the wasps become active). When moving blocks that early it is important to be careful in not knocking the larva off their pollen balls, so have the holes pointed up and move everything carefully. For summer nesting bees, make sure your blocks are good and tight, as the wasps can exploit the cracks and enter into the unsealed parts of the cells and parasitize larvae.
Good luck
Andony
There are Leucospis wasps and they are going after your bees:
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/298854-Leucospis-affinis
We generally recommend bringing in Osmia lignaria blocks by June 1 and sealing them in a paper bag in order to prevent wasp parasitism (i.e., before the wasps become active). When moving blocks that early it is important to be careful in not knocking the larva off their pollen balls, so have the holes pointed up and move everything carefully. For summer nesting bees, make sure your blocks are good and tight, as the wasps can exploit the cracks and enter into the unsealed parts of the cells and parasitize larvae.
Good luck
Andony
