This nest is probably fewer than 8 feet horizontally, 10 feet vertically from the front door and mailbox. We'll see if we can live with that, as they are noted to be a "good bug." They are a positive bio-control in their natural habitat, feeding on nectar and other insects. Here's hoping they eat carpenter ants!
You'll notice in the photos that you can see the adults, the pupae stage as those capped cells awaiting final development, and the larvae stage during which the adults are feeding the little helpless babies in the uncapped cells until they, too, pupate. The larval stage can be seen in the first photo midway between center and the 12 o'clock outer edge. He appears to be a tiny white dolphin with a black face. I would guess that the cover of his cell will arrive... read more soon.
Many thanks to Suunto for helping me bird-dog the details about these guys and his patience over 30 days time to complete my journey.
Twincol
You'll notice in the photos that you can see the adults, the pupae stage as those capped cells awaiting final development, and the larvae stage during which the adults are feeding the little helpless babies in the uncapped cells until they, too, pupate. The larval stage can be seen in the first photo midway between center and the 12 o'clock outer edge. He appears to be a tiny white dolphin with a black face. I would guess that the cover of his cell will arrive... read more