Katharine

Red-breasted Nuthatch line the entrance of the nest with resin.  It is 
assumed to prevent predators from entering.  Birds of North America, No. 
459, 1999.

White-breasted Nuthatch wave a beetle identified as Meloe angusticollus as a 
nest defense mechanism.  This beetle exudes copious, oily, strong smelling 
fluid that if believed to keep predators at bay.  Birds of North America, 
No. 54, 1993.

In either species account, no mention of nest lining with beetles is 
presented.

I hope this helps.

George Jett
Waldorf, MD 20603

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Katharine Patterson" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 3:28 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] nuthatch nesting


> Can anyone tell me the name of the beetle that nuthatches rub on the 
> inside of their nest cavites to ward off mites, etc? Also, what is the 
> acid the beetles contain? Formic acid?
>
> Thank you.
> Katharine Patterson
> Butler, MD
>