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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Vespoidea » Vespidae » Paper Wasps (Polistinae) » Honey Wasps (Brachygastra) » Mexican Honey Wasp (Brachygastra mellifica)
Photo#1235299
Mexican Honey Wasp - Brachygastra mellifica - female
Copyright © 2016 Zack Saavedra

Mexican Honey Wasp - Brachygastra mellifica - Female
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA
June 6, 2016
This wasp, along with numerous others on a footbridge at Phil Hardberger Park East, all had their heads pressed against the timber. Their mandibles were moving so I assume they were gnawing on the wood. It was an odd sight indeed.
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Contributed by Zack Saavedra on 7 June, 2016 - 8:59pm
Last updated 19 June, 2020 - 11:16pm

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… Zack Saavedra, 7 June, 2016 - 10:45pm login or register to post comments

Brachygastra mellifica?
*

edit: dang, same time again! I'm too late to ID these things haha
… metrioptera, 7 June, 2016 - 9:43pm login or register to post comments

 
No worries!
At least you know your stuff when it comes to Hymenoptera. You passed the pop quiz. Congratulations and thanks!
… Zack Saavedra, 7 June, 2016 - 10:44pm login or register to post comments

Mexican honey wasp?
Most likely collecting fibers for nest construction
… Vespula Vulgaris, 7 June, 2016 - 9:43pm login or register to post comments

 
You're probably right
It's an interesting behavior for sure. It reminds me of how potter wasps and leafcutter bees gather materials for their nests as well.
… Zack Saavedra, 7 June, 2016 - 10:43pm login or register to post comments

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