Do Wasps Make Royal Jelly?
WouterSeveral kinds of wasps are important predators of other insect pests. These insects can be found all over the world. They form colonies around queens.
Wasps are classified into four superfamilies. These are: Vespidae, Scolioidea, Bethyloidea, and Eumeninae. Vespidae includes social wasps. Among them, Vespula pensylvanica has been identified in unusually large numbers in public camps in mountain areas. Its outbreaks are believed to result from early spring.
Social wasps feed on nectar and sap. They also collect plant materials to construct honeycomb hives. These structures can be either aerial or underground.
These insects are also known for their aggressive nature. They can sting people who hit them or squash them. This sting can cause painful swelling. It can also cause anaphylactic shock, which is life threatening.
Wasps are also carnivorous. Their larvae feed on proteinaceous food, scavengers, and predatory insects. They exude trophallactic fluid, which serves as a call for reinforcements. Their nests can be either aerial or underground. Their nests are generally pedicel-shaped. They are constructed of a paperlike envelope around a small comb.
Social wasps are also considered more important than spiders and ants. This is because they live in colonies, and they are integrated. They exhibit group integration, division of labour, and overlap of generations.
The structure of a social wasp’s nest can be either aerial or underground. They build the structure from chewed up plant material. The nest can be up to 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall.
