Butterfly-predacious Hornets

[DR. JAMES ADAMS]

>I suppose, depends on the numbers of wasps and butterflies (and moths and 
>their caterpillars) present.
>-- 

Absolutely.  High densities of predators will ultimately mean low 
densities of prey, and, in the long run (the next year?) lower 
densities of predators.

Dar wrote:

>. . .  They are VERY nasty in my thoughts, though.  

I agree, though not for the reason that they ate any larvae I was 
rearing.  They're just nasty!!  I've been stung several times by 
yellowjackets for no apparent reason I could understand (though 
undoubtedly there was a reason the *Vespula* could understand!).  
They just make me nervous.  I kill very few insects without intent to 
study them, but I must admit that if a yellow jacket gets close 
enough to me, I have a tendency to flatten them with no regard to 
scientific value whatsoever.  So sue me.

            James