2.4. Identification of wasp combs
The images taken by the trail cameras allowed us to differentiate whether the comb had large cells typical of the genus Vespa andDolichovespula , or small cells of the genus Vespula orPolistes . We were able to differentiate the vespid subfamiliesPolistinae from Vespinae based on the configuration of the combs (see details in Rebollo et al . 2023).
In order to check the identification carried out in the photographic register, the 24 honey-buzzard´s nests were visited regularly each 7 or 14 days to collect the remains of the consumed wasp combs that had fallen to the ground. We also collected wasp combs directly in the honey-buzzard´s nests during the installation (July) and deinstallation (September) of the cameras. The wasp combs were stored at -20 ºC until laboratory analyses, in which we identified the combs using the morphology of the mandibles of the larval exuviae (see details in Rebollo et al . 2023).