How Are Wasps Beneficial to the Ecosystem?

Despite being one of the least popular insects in nature, wasps play a key role in the ecosystem. They help keep pest insects under control, as well as pollinate flowers and plants. They also help regulate populations of other insects.

Wasps are not just predators; they also have a unique social life. Researchers from the University College London (UCL) recently led a study that investigated the ecosystem contributions of roughly 33,000 species of stinging wasps. They reviewed evidence from more than 500 academic papers to find out what these insects can offer the environment.

Wasps are known for their fast reproductive cycle. They lay eggs on a variety of insect hosts, and the larvae consume their prey. Most species develop rapidly.

Some of these insects are beneficial to humans. Wasps are known to kill mosquitoes, and can control other pests. In some cases, they can even reduce the number of insects carrying diseases. Wasps have also been used as a sustainable pest control in developing countries.

Most wasps are parasitic on other insects. The female parasitic wasp lays eggs inside the host’s body. The eggs hatch and feed on the host’s vital organs. This behavior is called necropsy. It’s also found in bees and ants.

Wasps are also important to nature because they are decomposers. They consume insects, including caterpillars, beetles, white flies, crickets, and many other insects. They also pollinate plants, which is critical to agriculture. In Brazil, wasps are used to control pests on high-value crops.

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