A strange item has appeared hanging from the eave ceiling just outside our back door. We are unsure whether it is a growing thing or built by insects. It is about 25mm across and about the same in depth.
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B. & P. H., Mt Helen.
Your strange object is a native paper wasp's nest.
At the small size you mention it's likely to be the work of just one wasp, not a large number. If you watch carefully you will probably see a wasp coming and going. Although these wasps can sting, they are not aggressive.
Your photo shows a nest in the early stages of construction. When completed, it will probably contain a few cells within a golfball-sized nest. (A later report from Mt Helen mentions a single wasp working, with the nest changing shape rapidly after several days of inactivity.)
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
