Nice picture, Cathy!

I just hate those parsitoid or parasitic wasps, whatever they are. They must follow female red admirals around 24/7 to be there when she lays her eggs, so they'll know just when to do their damage. The RAs and I got lucky this past spring and there very few white cocoons in the nests - 'wish that were true every year in every season.

Sherry

Thanks, Sherry. Yes, I hate those wasps too. It's almost like the poor little Red Admirals don't stand much of a chance when any of those wasps are around. I agree with you that they must be watching all of the time to know just when to strike. With other kinds of cats, I have a really good success rate if I get them when they're tiny, but it's very iffy with the RA's. Just because I find x number of RA nests doesn't mean that I'll have x number of healthy cats inside. When I see that little wasp cocoon in the nest alongside the tiny RA cat, my heart sinks.
Cathy

Mine, too, Cathy. I always destroy the cocoon - one less adult wasp to contribute to the cycle.

Sherry