Do Wasps Have Natural Enemies?
WouterWhether they are seen as pests or beneficial, wasps play a vital role in the wider ecosystem. They pollinate flowers, feed on caterpillars, and are part of the food web. However, they can also cause trouble by stinging humans and other animals.
Wasps are also a major source of food for many other animals. Depending on the type of wasp, they may feed on insect larvae, caterpillars, ants, spiders, bees, or cicada larvae. Some species are also known to feed on humans, including the cicada killer wasp.
Many birds also feed on wasps. Common birds that feed on wasps include bluebirds, sparrows, robber flies, blackbirds, and woodpeckers. Some birds are opportunistic and intentionally hunt down wasps.
There are also many predatory reptiles and amphibians that will eat wasps. These animals don’t care that they sting. They will eat them if they feel like it. In addition, they will also hunt other types of insects, including caterpillars and bees.
There are also some species of birds that specialize in eating wasps. Some of these birds include: wrens, magpies, bluebirds, and sparrows. Other species will occasionally eat wasps, such as dragonflies and spiders.
Many insects eat wasps, including: butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and centipedes. They also eat adult wasps. Some insects, such as spiders, will also kill wasps by wrapping them in a web.
In North America, the dominant species of birds that eat wasps are warblers. They will use their wings to catch and trap wasps. Other species, such as chipping sparrows, will also eat wasps.
