Oh dear!

Today I was putting some of my geraniums into a window box, using my potting tray. I emptied several out , thinking they were somewhat dry, and put the pots to one side. As I did so I noticed a pile of what looked like mini-cigars about 3/4" long, made of neatly wrapped leaves, complete with a tiny circle of leaf stopping up one end. The end of one had come out and I could see the white larva moving slightly inside.
I didn't cotton on right away. I put them to one side and by the time I finished the box I suddenly realised- I'd disturbed a leaf cutter bees' nest. :(
I've just come in to check what to do. As the larvae are left with supplies in their cigars, If I put them somewhere safe and dry they might survive. I read that the nest is usually a tube in soft wood or plant tissue; I saw no sign of this but I'm wandering if the bee chose a gap in between the bits of polystyrene drainage in the pots. Just off to take a photo before finding somewhere to put them.
Sorry, bee!


When I returned outside [15 mins?] only these 3 were left, because they had fallen on to the ground. Something must have nipped in sharpish and had a tasty lunch.... I put them in an angelica tube in the shed. It's open to the air but in a dry place.

[ 12. July 2006, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Liz ]