I’m assuming this is the same guy for the past week. (I obviously am not out here all day to check.) This wasp has stayed on these peony blooms for a week now. Same plant. Not the other peonies, either. He flies from one bloom to the other and kinda walks around on them. What gives?
by amilange999
17 Comments
When the buds are opening, there is a sticky nectar that’s exposed. Some flying insects feed on it and allegedly they help the bud to open by doing this.
Wasps are also predators on other insects, and should be welcomed in your garden.
He loves the scent
Very cool picture! It look like a red paper wasp. I see what might be a little “bald patch” under his/her jaws. It might be nibbling on the outer edges of the sepals to get material for paper.
The most likely scenario is that he’s hunting for Aphids.
Wasps are the best friend you can have in a garden. Please let him do his job which is about 5 different positive things for your plants.
That’s a chonky wasp.
HOLY CRAP BURN IT WITH FIRE!!
The photo is amazing, and the others are right about the nectar. We always had ants, but I never saw a wasp when we had our peonies.
And I’m so glad I don’t live in a place with red wasps anymore. They look cool AF, especially when the sun catches the irridescence on their wings, but nah. I’m good. 😂
They’re good friends – he pollinates and protects. Two wasps with one stone.
Waspps are good gardeners even if they don’t always seem to be on your side.
Ants on peonies are why I hate peonies- so gross!!
Wow your peonies are advanced mine are still shooting through
How about you leave it alone?
wow
i have a two three paper wasps who visit my balcony garden! they love my peonies!!!
The wasp is combing your peonies for aphids/ other insects
whoa! Thats kinda cool seeing the other comments about how useful he is! I’m used to ants on mine.