Are Wasps and Bees the Same?
WouterDespite the close resemblance between bees and wasps, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Bees and wasps are members of the Hymenoptera order, which also includes ants. Their bodies are different in size, shape, and coloration. In fact, there are over 100,000 species of wasps and bees in the world.
Both insects are flower-visiting pollinators, collecting nectar and pollen. Bees subsist on pollen while wasps consume nectar. However, while bees are generally more beneficial pollinators than wasps, wasps are not as efficient.
The main difference between bees and wasps is that wasps are predators. They prey on other insects, and sometimes they also sip nectar. Wasps are usually not as aggressive as bees, and they do not usually attack humans. However, wasps can be dangerous to children.
In the United States and Canada, wasps and bees are protected by state law. The stingers of both bees and wasps are painful. However, the sting of a bee is only painful for a very small proportion of people, while the sting of a wasp can be fatal.
Bees are generally less aggressive than wasps, and sting once before dying. Some bee species, such as sweat bees, have stingers that are only mildly painful. However, all bees have branched hairs that help collect pollen. Bees use these hairs to catch pollen grains and transfer them to their young. Bees are also smart insects. They remember past experiences and track changes in floral abundance. They also use poisoned stingers to sting people who disturb their hives.
