Mystery creature....what it is...??

[Diggin It]

I thought for sure someone would know what this was by now. I know I sure don't though. I think the best way to find out is to 'knock-knock' by the door and see what pokes it's head out.

You Rang?

 

[MossRoad]

I did find this : http://www.natureconservationimaging.com/images/Symmorphus-bifasciatus-recycling.jpg

Talked to my brother again on the west coast of FL....he said whatever it is leaves through a small hole then seals it up again after it returns...he is trying to get a camera set up to monitor it...

I've seen wasps that catch other insects, paralyze them, lay their eggs on/in them, then seal them up in a hole and leave. Sometimes they'll seal several insects after each other in succession in the same hole. But I've never seen them open a hole and close it up behind them.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Nothing gets your adrenaline going like grabbing a nice, large pear off the tree only to feel it start vibrating in your hand, turn it around, and see 4 hornets in a hole on the other side looking out at you.

They come for the rotting pears on a hard pear tree in our back yard. They like the sugar. Maybe even get a little drunk.

I get the same thing with apples this time of year. It's always alarming.
A little water and baking powder helps take the pain down quickly.

 

[/pine]

My brother was able to get a photograph and identify the creature as a "sweat bee"

 

[kenmbz]

sounds nasty- they are attracted to sweat ?? but seems that their "sting" is not harmful

 

[MossRoad]

Sweat bees are pretty dinky in size. We have lots of them at our swimming pool. Did he say how big it was?

 

[/pine]

Bigger than a nickle smaller than a quarter...lots of different varieties of sweat bees...
I could find lots of pics...mostly on flowers...wondering if whatever they are feeding on etc. has an effect on the nesting material they secrete

 

[Diggin It]

The sweat bees I'm familiar with could fit about 20 or more on a penny. They don't bother me at all, but I knew someone who would pass out for a few minutes after being stung. No lasting effects, just had to go lay down in a safe place for a few minutes.

 

[ovrszd]

The sweat bees I'm familiar with could fit about 20 or more on a penny.

Yeah, same here. Little b tards are eating salt off your sweaty skin. You feel something and wipe it and get stung. Sharp sting that doesn't last. Total aggravation. Lands in the bend of your arm and then you move and he stings you to get away. Did I mention aggravation......