Fascinating Wasp Diversity

enNovember 10, 2022

Backyard Ecology

What was the main topic of the podcast episode?

Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?

Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?

Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?

Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?

Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

What was the main topic of the podcast episode?

Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?

Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?

Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?

Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?

Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

About this Episode

Wasps are often portrayed as one of “the bad guys” in the insect world. But part of that common misconception comes from a lack of knowledge or understanding about wasps in general and stereotypes that don’t apply to most wasp species.

The truth is that wasps are extremely diverse and what most of us think of when we think of a “wasp” makes up only the tiniest percentage of all wasps out there. In fact, there are likely many different species of wasps that haven’t even been identified yet. And wasps play an extremely important role in the ecosystem – one that is often overlooked and not well-understood.

In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Louis Nastasi who is a self-proclaimed ambassador for wasps. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State’s Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State’s research collection of insects and other arthropods. He also founded and is one of the instructors for the Wasp ID Course, which will have its second session in January 2023.

During our conversation, Louis and I dive into the fascinating diversity of wasps, especially parasitoid wasps, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. Louis believes that a lot of the misconceptions around wasps are due to a lack of recognition of just how diverse wasps are. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps aren’t capable of stinging people and many are the size of a speck of dust.

Like with the first episode that Louis was on, our conversation takes many twists and turns. We talk a lot about parasitoid wasps and just how amazing it is that many of these parasitoid relationships developed in the first place. (One of the wasps we talk about lays its eggs in diving beetle eggs which are found underwater!) We also discuss how much we don’t know about these species and how much there is still to learn. But through it all, Louis’s passion for wasps and wasp education shines through.

Links:

Louis’s contact info:
- Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/toomanywasps
Wasp ID Course
- Website: https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/
- Twitter: @WaspIDCourse
  - https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/
- Email: waspIDcourse@gmail.com
Other Resources:
- Forbes, A.A., Bagley, R.K., Beer, M.A. et al. Quantifying the unquantifiable: why Hymenoptera, not Coleoptera, is the most speciose animal order. BMC Ecol 18, 21 (2018). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x
- Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 * : https://amzn.to/3fMZAho
Wasp related video clips (including the fairy wasp one) from Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough:
- Underwater wasps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg
- Oak Tree and Wasp Eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI
- Paper colony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv
Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough (Full Documentary)*: https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU
Related Backyard Ecology Resources:
- Galls: Amazingly Diverse and Fascinating Plant Growths: https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/
- American Pelecinid Wasp: A Unique and Fascinating Critter: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/
- Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/
- Four-toothed Mason Wasp: https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/
- Cicada Killers: Not as Menacing as They Appear: https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/
- Eastern Red Velvet Ants: Doesn’t Kill Cows and Isn’t an Ant: https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/
Backyard Ecology
- Website: https://backyardecology.net
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
- Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
- Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Episode image:

A species of Ichneumon wasp, one of our many parasitoid species.
Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain

Recent Episodes from Backyard Ecology

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023

I can’t believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We’ve talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let’s wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year.

🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch
https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-want-to-know-about-nesting-birds-with-nestwatch/

🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder
https://www.backyardecology.net/birding-tools-and-technology-to-help-you-be-a-better-birder/

🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live
https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/

🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About?
https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-invasive-species-something-you-should-care-about/

🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond
https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/

🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial
https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-sedges-mt-cuba-center-carex-trial/

🦋 4) How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You?
https://www.backyardecology.net/how-can-your-states-native-plant-society-help-you/

🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley
https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/

🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner
https://www.backyardecology.net/ecology-based-landscaping-with-larry-weaner/

🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel
https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/

🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants
https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/

Other Episode Relevant Links:
🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0

🦋 Garden Revolution https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F

* Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/
🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

enDecember 28, 2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”

Did you know that in addition to the regular Backyard Ecology videos that Anthony creates, he also produces a series of nature-trivia style short videos? Most of these videos are literally only a few seconds long so are perfect “bite-sized” samples if you’re just getting started or are looking for something to watch for a few seconds on your phone.

So, let’s quickly run through the top 10 Backyard Ecology shorts based on number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. Since the videos are so short, I’m just going to list the titles and let your curiosity decide whether to follow the link and explore further.

🦋 10) Caterpillar's Poop Stick Defense! https://youtube.com/shorts/R_mMaD2TadU
🦋 9) Ragweed SUPER FOOD for Birds! https://youtube.com/shorts/CfOM56BYZ_8
🦋 8) Hummingbirds Eat Nectar and WHAT! https://youtube.com/shorts/-IOGXUiOozY
🦋 7) Butterfly Garden Must Have! https://youtube.com/shorts/UppahIW3EnQ
🦋 6) These Cute Larvae Aren't Caterpillars! https://youtube.com/shorts/rorND6RmcGg
🦋 5) Bumblebees VS Carpenter Bees Easy ID! https://youtube.com/shorts/slBX3utAcdI
🦋 4) What Is This Weird Plant Growth! https://youtube.com/shorts/lhrmJlsKNfk
🦋 3) Have You Seen Invasive Tree of Heaven? https://youtube.com/shorts/Vqmq_8Bc3rc
🦋 2) This Caterpillar Looks Like What! https://youtube.com/shorts/Wkqy-qO8z98
🦋 1) Wolf Spider Momma Has How MANY Babies! https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7IjE8Jyyc

Bonus
🦋 See Me Fly Like Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dzpde6I3ju8

Other Episode-Related Links
🦋 Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/
🦋 3 Awesome Native Trees to Replace Bradford Pear! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYPak0l1exo

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

enDecember 21, 2023

Tips and Tricks for Growing Prairie Plants in Your Native Plant Garden

Did you know that for many of our most commonly grown native wildflowers and grasses, 2/3 or more of the plant is underground in the form of roots? Or that you can reduce weeding requirements in your native plant garden by understanding the root systems of different plants that you are growing? Or that there is now a resource that can help you avoid mistaking a native plant in your garden as a weed and accidentally pulling it?

Today, we are talking to Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll. They are the authors of the newly published book, The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants. Neil is also the president and consulting ecologist of Prairie Nursery, located in Wisconsin.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-prairie-plants

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode related links:

🦋 Hilary’s email: crumpetlee@gmail.com
🦋 Neil’s email: NDiboll@prairienursery.com
🦋 The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants: https://amzn.to/3QTmMco (affiliate link)
🦋 Prairie Nursery: https://www.prairienursery.com/

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Backyard Ecology

enNovember 30, 2023

gardener's guide to prairie plants

native plant

backyard ecology

prairie plant

Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds

Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird.

Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property.

I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻
If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is:
https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode related links:

🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/
🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html
🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/
🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/
🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Backyard Ecology

enNovember 16, 2023

winter hummingbird

rufus hummingbird

hummingbirds in winter

backyard ecology

Fall Cleanup in the Pollinator and Wildlife Garden: A Comprehensive Guide to What You Need to Know and Do

When gardening with native plants for pollinators and wildlife, much of the traditional fall cleanup for gardens is not only unnecessary but could be detrimental. And if you don’t have to do all that fall cleanup, you’ll have more time to kick back and enjoy the everchanging natural wonders around you.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-cleanup/

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is:
https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode related links:

🦋 Why WEED is a Huge Problem for Native Plants! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXTeYtN0Z_Q
🦋 Leave Your Fall Leaves for Pollinators and Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/leave-your-fall-leaves-for-pollinators-and-wildlife/
🦋 3 Reasons Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-planting/

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

enNovember 02, 2023

Resharing Your Favorites: Gardening with Native Plants

Did you know that common milkweed isn’t native to Georgia? Or that there are many native plants which can be grown in large pots on a patio or balcony? Or that some simple “cues to care” can significantly change how a native plant garden is perceived by others?

I originally recorded this conversation with Jennifer Ceska in the spring of 2022. A year and a half later it is, by far, my most downloaded episode to date. We had an amazing conversation that covered a wide range of topics related to gardening with native plants. So, I thought I would reshare it with the transcript so that those who missed it the first time or who prefer to read the transcripts can enjoy it too.

Jennifer is a Conservation Coordinator with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, Athens.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-gardening-with-native-plants

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Anthony and I have been exploring new ways to better serve you. Our group coaching programs have evolved out of our desire to help you and other members of our Backyard Ecology audience in a deeper, more personal way. These are offered on a seasonal basis and are designed to address some of our most asked questions in a way that allows you to ask questions and get personalized feedback for your unique situation. If you want to learn more about our group coaching programs, go to https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/.

And, if you’re listening to this episode shortly after it goes live and want help designing your pollinator and wildlife garden, then you’re in luck. Our next group coaching program, Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots, starts in just a few days. But don’t wait, registration closes on October 9, 2023, and we don’t plan to offer this specific group coaching program again until at least the summer of 2024.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode Links:

🦋 Jennifer’s email: jceska@uga.edu

🦋 Best Milkweed for Georgia Gardens brochure: https://botgarden.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/milkweedinformation.pdf

🦋 State Botanical Garden of Georgia: https://botgarden.uga.edu/

🦋 Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-plant-conservation-alliance/

🦋 Georgia Native Plant Initiative: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-native-plant-initiative/

🦋 Connect to Protect: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/connect-to-protect/

🦋 Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/pollinator-plant-program/

🦋 Georgia Grasslands Initiative iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/georgia-grasslands-initiative-ggi

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net

🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology

🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology

🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Backyard Ecology

enOctober 05, 2023

native plants

cues to care

georgia state botanical garden

jennifer ceska

gardening with native plants

The Secret to Building a Thriving Backyard Ecosystem: Embracing “It Depends”

“It depends” is often the most accurate and expert answer that you can give to questions related to biology and ecology. Granted, it can be a frustrating answer because we all love simple, straightforward answers. But once you understand the true meaning of “it depends,” it becomes a very liberating answer, especially when it comes to creating pollinator and wildlife habitat.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/it-depends

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Are you looking for a supportive place where you can ask questions, celebrate your accomplishments, gain encouragement when you’re feeling discouraged, and have fun geeking out about nature? Then we encourage you to check out the Backyard Ecology Community.

The Backyard Ecology Community is a membership community for people in the eastern U.S. who love nature and want to transform their yards and communities into ecosystems that support pollinators and wildlife. Learn more at: www.backyardecology.net/community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

enSeptember 20, 2023

gardening for wildlife

habitat creation

Building Thriving Ecosystems and Exploring Nature in Your Backyard with Backyard Ecology

Over the last 6-8 months, we’ve been working hard to make Backyard Ecology even better and to implement new ways to help people on an even deeper level. I am so excited because I can finally share some of what we’ve been working on!

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/building-thriving-ecosystems-and-exploring-nature-in-your-backyard/

Links to become a Backyard Ecologist:

The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/
Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots group coaching program: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

General Backyard Ecology links:

Website: https://backyardecology.net
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
Subscribe to The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

🦋 * 🦋 * 🦋 *

We want to meet you where you are at in your ecological journey and be there for you as your needs change. That’s why we offer multiple ways to join us and become a Backyard Ecologist. To see all the ways that you can connect with us and become a Backyard Ecologist, visit www.backyardecology.net/join.

🦋 * 🦋 * 🦋 *

Backyard Ecology

enSeptember 12, 2023

garden design

gardening for wildlife

group coaching

backyard ecology community

pollinator gardening

Ask this episode Anything

What was the main topic of the podcast episode?

Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?

Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?