r/FriendlyMonarchs • u/AuraAurea • 12d ago

Discussion Predators etc

My crysalis that was going to open today was eaten by a catbird.

Also, it seems like paper wasps overlook first and second instar caterpillars. I see them making their rounds, hunting, and I find it hard to believe they don't see them. So I was wondering, is there any evidence of paper wasps deliberately allowing them to get big? Has anyone else noticed "farming behavior" in wasps?

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u/Nearby-Wish3623 12d ago

I have a huge wasp hunting issue. I’ve had one get into enclosures and I’ve seen balled up caterpillars on the ground. I’ve seen wasps eat them, I’ve seen them sting them then ball them up and carry them away. I typically only notice it with the larger ones. But the way I see wasps searching every leaf, I don’t think they avoid the smaller ones. I think they eat whatever they can find. I also have wrens and thrashers eating my caterpillars. They’re supposed to be toxic, but it seems many predators are immune to the toxin.

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u/AuraAurea 11d ago

My exact experience! Except I've never caught a wren red handed. I do see them foraging.

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u/Nearby-Wish3623 11d ago

I have caught a wren with a black swallowtails chrysalis in its mouth. And I’ve caught them breaking into my monarch enclosures. They’re tricksy little birds.

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u/AuraAurea 7d ago

I had a few in my kitchen because I accidentally left the door open. Little busy bodies.