Insect collection

I started this insect collection with my Gran. I catch an insect in little tubs and put them in the freezer. When I take them out I put a pin through their thorax. The insects that are too small like ants and little beetles, I glue down.

Caterpillars

Here are some Cinnibar caterpillars

These are the Cinnibar caterpillar pupas. We are waiting for them to emerge.

This is the Elephant Hawk caterpillar.
We thought that we lost it until we saw this...

Ruby-tailed Wasp

The ruby-tailed wasp is a parasitic wasp. They wait for the Potter or Mason wasp to fly from their nest. Then they enter the nest and lay their eggs beside the other wasp eggs. Their larvae then eat the larvae of the other wasps. You are most likely to find them on walls and trees.

British Common Wasp

The common wasp can build it's nest in empty mammal holes. Their nests are all papery. They also steal honey from bee hives. I was stung by one of these on my elbow. I accidentally stepped on their nest and disturbed them. It was very very sore!