How Are Wasps Different From Bees?
WouterThousands of different species of bees and wasps exist, making it very difficult to distinguish between the two. In fact, some of them are able to fool even the most experienced entomologists.
While many people don’t think of wasps as being harmful to humans, they can be aggressive and can sting. They can also trigger a serious allergic reaction in some people. If you have a serious allergy to these insects, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
Bees and wasps belong to the order Hymenoptera, and both are related. Bees are herbivores, which means they consume plant pollens and nectar. They don’t typically eat meat, and they also don’t prey on other insects. They are also not aggressive unless they think they are being threatened.
Wasps are also predators. Most wasps are solitary, but there are some social wasps. Most social wasps build nests in sheltered areas. Some social wasps also create paper pulp nests. These nests are found in trees, bushes, and walls.
When wasps are threatened, they release pheromones to attract other members of their colony. Some wasps sip nectar. Others feed on insects and other arthropods. These wasps can also be parasitic, consuming other species’ eggs.
While bees and wasps are both beneficial to humans, they are different. Bees are less aggressive than wasps. Most bees sting only once. However, some bees and wasps can sting several times. If you are allergic to bee stings, you may experience anaphylactic shock.
