Did You Know That Wasps Make Marmite?
WouterDespite their reputation as an invasive species, wasps play an important role in the ecosystem. They are pollinators, and regulate populations of crop pests. They also eat flies and other invertebrates. They sting, but not without reason. They can also help reduce stress levels.
Wasps are the most common wild species that people encounter in their daily lives. They can be found in a variety of places, including woods and fields, as well as inside buildings and roof spaces. They are not aggressive, and they usually won’t sting you unless they feel threatened.
A wasp’s life cycle determines how the species behaves throughout the year. A queen wasp will build an above or underground nest. The nest is constructed of fine plant fibers combined with saliva.
During summer, wasps are hungry for protein. They will eat greenfly, caterpillars, and other invertebrates. Some wasps will cut up their prey to carry it back to their nest. Some wasps also enjoy nectar and fruit. These species often visit flowers for nectar.
Some wasps will break into beehives to take honey. In fact, wasp honey is edible for humans. But most wasps don’t make honey. The Mexican honey wasp makes honey by storing it in a paper-like hive.
The Mexican honey wasp is important to indigenous communities. In fact, the Mexican government has granted it a special protection status, recognizing it as a national treasure. They are also a favorite food for bald-faced hornets, who eat a large part of their diet on nectar.
