Image copyright 2001, David L. Green Unauthorized use prohibited
September 23, 2001 Hemingway, SC
Paper wasp nest under a tree stump
Image copyright 2001, David L. Green Unauthorized use prohibited
September 23, 2001 Hemingway, SC
This colony built in a large cavity under a stump. It's right beside the river, which is lower than I've ever seen, and floodwaters have washed out a hole underneath the stump. They were reported to me as "killer bees" by a local landowner. I questioned him, "Are you sure they are not yellow jackets or wasps?"
"I'm absolutely sure they are honeybees, and I'm afraid they might be "killer bees" because they stung me about 20 times when I walked by."
Well, they are NOT bees, much less "killer bees." Goes to show how stories get started....
It was a very large and populous wasp nest, though, with plenty of guards, so one can see why they'd be testy. They looked me over as I took the photo, and, based on their nervous activity, I think I retreated at just about the right time.