European wasps & birds

["Geoffrey Dabb" <>]

I notice in ‘A World Without Bees’ (Benjamin & McCallum) mention is made of the spread of the Asian Hornet Vespa velutina (46mm), compared to which, according to Julia Gillard, European Wasps are mere poodles

 

From: Peter Ormay [
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2009 1:49 PM
To: Beth Mantle
Cc: Barbara Preston; ; Bron King
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] European wasps & birds

 

Hi Beth,

Thanks very much for following it up.  I was aware of the possible confusion with a more common species but didn't have the right info for ID'ing it.  However it is quite likely that European Wasps are preying on K. scurra wherever they can find them.

 

I was one of the people searching for EW nests in areas where EWs were seen years ago but it was very difficult and costly to locate them. The 'economic rationalism' policy soon after put an end to it and quite rightly so I think but an effective bait that can be put out wherever EWs are seen should be made available as soon as possible before insect species start disappearing.

Regards

Peter

----- Original Message -----

From:

To:

Cc: ; m("canberrabirds.org.au","canberrabirds");" > ;

Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 10:37 PM

Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] European wasps & birds

 

I will try and find out who that person is, if you like?  I'm working in the Australian National Insect Collection at CSIRO, so I'm sure someone there will know.

 

Cheers,

Beth

Beth Mantle
H: 02 6287 7860

M: 0407 174 427

E: 

 

On 22/02/2009, at 12:26 PM, Peter Ormay wrote:

Hi Bron
Excellent photo.  The insect looks to me like a Key's Matchstick Grasshopper Keyacris scurra a threatened species. I think the photo should be forewarded to CSIRO Division of Entomology for the attention of the scientist dealing with the conservation of K scurra (who's name escapes me). 
Regards

Peter Ormay