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Photo#1636062
Brachygastra mellifica at northern edge of range attacked by Polistes  - Brachygastra mellifica

Brachygastra mellifica at northern edge of range attacked by Polistes - Brachygastra mellifica
Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, USA
December 22, 2018
Added because of the mellifica's current northernmost edge of range (Williamson County, Texas) with natural predator, Polistes. I've been observing the mellificas in my yard, who come to bee fondant and butterfly sponges/fruit slices. They come in small numbers, 2 to 8 at a time. They do feed alongside Apis mellifera, Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae, Largus bugs, and others, but the aggressive Polistes attack and kill B. mellifica and chase off the other insects.

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Brachygastra mellifica at northern edge of range attacked by Polistes  - Brachygastra mellifica Brachygastra mellifica at northern edge of range attacked by Polistes  - Brachygastra mellifica