Wasp behaviour query - Dorset, UK, June 2010 (1 Viewer)

For a few weeks I've been puzzled by a scratching noise in my back yard.

The other day I realised it is being made by wasps (I presume) who are landing on the wooden fence, and appear to be scratching away at the surface, then flying orf.

Attached are a picture of one of the little beauties, and a picture of the marks they are leaving in the surface of the wood.

My hypothesis is that they are wasps collecting cellulose for nest building.
I'm sure some smart entomological type will come along to confirm or correct ...

Hello pdh,

The wasps are indeed collecting finewood shavings for use in nest building. Any wood posts, fences, sheds etc are common targets, If you look closely you will find many lines running parallel to each other if the Wasp has been a regular visitor. The wood is chewed into a pulp like paper mache and manipulated with the wasps jaws into position on the nest.

Harry

Thank you Harry -- the whole fence is covered in these trails, and I think if you look at the wasp photo enlarged you can pick out shavings just by its head.
I have taken a few "macro" shots of insects recently and only just noticed the hairs (? cilia) that cover them -- also on a couple of dragonflies.