10 interesting facts about wasps
- Just like many other species of insects, wasp is known to be a social animal. As many as 10,000 wasps are believed to inhabit one nest. The queen wasp, who is the only breeding female, builds the nest using a papery substance made of chewed wood and plants.
- The wasp is known for its poisonous sting, which can be very painful. Wasp stings can also be fatal as some people are allergic to them. The stung area can swell and form a lump that takes a few days to soothe.
- Almost every species of insects contains a wasp species that preys upon it or parasitizes it. This natural boicontrol of insect species through wasps makes them critically important in natural control of their population.
- An interesting thing about wasps is that when these insects die, they release a smell (called a pheromone). This smell warns the other wasps of the lurking danger and is an indicator that help is needed.
- Diet: Nectar, Insects, Caterpillars, Fruits.
- Wasps, being omnivorous animals, eat a mixture of plants and other animals. They prefer to eat sweeter plants and feed on nectars, fruits and honey. However, they also eat insects and even large caterpillars.
- Wasps are predated upon by different animals, which can include birds, amphibians, reptiles and various species of mammal. This is despite of their bright colors, which can serve to deter the predators.
- Since wasps predate on caterpillars, they are considered as beneficial to farmers. They could comb the whole area to find food and pick caterpillars, which can damage the crops.
- Wasps are believed to become very aggressive during the months from August to October. During this period, their food preference shifts from insects to food and garbage. This is also the time when they can come in contact with humans and attack them.
- Wasps are active only during the daylight and they can be usually found resting in their nests during the night time. If one wants to eradicate the wasps permanently, night time is considered to be the best.
