Dasylechia atrox habitat
Hickory Hill Conservancy Park in Cross Plains in southern Wisconsin. Dane County, Wisconsin, USA.
Oak/hickory forest/savanna. Quite overgrown on the right side of the trail here. Higher quality savanna off to the left (out of frame).
The branch overhanging the trail on the standing dead debarked tree near the right edge of the picture provided a perfect perch for Dasylechia atrox the past week(s). Up until 17 August, there was a fallen shagbark hickory crown/canopy from a recent storm blocking the trail just past the overhanging branch (see leafy debris spot on trail). Shagbark hickory canopies seem to be very attractive to yellowjackets, bees, and other hymenopterans. This fallen canopy was no different and the canopy position made the overhanging branch a perfect perch from which to pick off approaching and departing hymenopterans. I found and photographed Dasylechia atrox on that branch several days, including a stretch of 3 straight days. Unfortunately for me, and the robbers, the tree crown was removed on 17 August. The steady stream of prey is severely dissipated. Will have to see if the perch is occupied in upcoming days. No robbers were present on my trip there 18 August.
Dasylechia atrox habitat
Hickory Hill Conservancy Park in Cross Plains in southern Wisconsin. Dane County, Wisconsin, USA.
Oak/hickory forest/savanna. Quite overgrown on the right side of the trail here. Higher quality savanna off to the left (out of frame).
The branch overhanging the trail on the standing dead debarked tree near the right edge of the picture provided a perfect perch for Dasylechia atrox the past week(s). Up until 17 August, there was a fallen shagbark hickory crown/canopy from a recent storm blocking the trail just past the overhanging branch (see leafy debris spot on trail). Shagbark hickory canopies seem to be very attractive to yellowjackets, bees, and other hymenopterans. This fallen canopy was no different and the canopy position made the overhanging branch a perfect perch from which to pick off approaching and departing hymenopterans. I found and photographed Dasylechia atrox on that branch several days, including a stretch of 3 straight days. Unfortunately for me, and the robbers, the tree crown was removed on 17 August. The steady stream of prey is severely dissipated. Will have to see if the perch is occupied in upcoming days. No robbers were present on my trip there 18 August.