20 September β 14 October
dates recorded for this region, not shifted from anywhere
Tree cavities, roof spaces and shutter boxes; feeds at night, unlike any other wasp here.
The colony is largest and most defensive in September, weeks before it dies β which is exactly when people decide to deal with the nest. An empty nest in winter is not reused, so waiting three weeks solves it for free.
photos, sightings and recordings, off this site
where this species is on the list
| Phase | When | Length | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| hibernating | 15 October β 30 April | 198 days | True hibernation: body temperature drops and the animal cannot simply wake. |
| building | 1 May β 24 May | 24 days | Nest, burrow or den under construction, or being lined out. |
| larvae feeding | 25 May β 19 June | 26 days | Caterpillars, grubs or nymphs feeding and growing. |
| brood in the nest | 20 June β 24 August | 66 days | Dependent young in the nest, den or burrow, being fed. |
| courting | 25 August β 19 September | 26 days | Song, display, fighting, scent-marking β pairs forming or reaffirming. |
| new queens leaving | 20 September β 14 October | 25 days | Young leaving for good, looking for a territory of their own. |