How Are Wasps Made?

During a wasp colony’s life cycle, wasps continually create new nests to house their insect friends. These structures can be shaped however they like. Some wasps build their nests underground, while others prefer to build them above ground.

Some wasp species build nests that are large and elaborate, while others prefer to build nests in hollow trees and rock crevices. In each case, the nest’s construction and layout reflects the needs of its inhabitants.

Most wasps are nonstinging. However, parasitic wasps are known to paralyze prey by injecting them with eggs and venom. They then pupate inside the prey’s body. This process provides the larvae with food and nutrients.

Wasps are known to reproduce in a caste system. There are two main castes, the workers and the queen. The workers are responsible for foraging and raising their siblings. They communicate in intricate ways to gather food and build the nest. The queen is responsible for laying eggs and producing fertile males.

The queen wasp begins the nesting process after the colony hibernates. She searches for a suitable nesting site. She then gathers wood fibers and scrapes them with strong jaws. She mixes these fibers with saliva and forms a paste. This paste is then layered to build the walls of the nest. The waxy paste helps to waterproof the nest and reduces water ingress.

As the nest grows, the worker wasps take over the collection of nest materials. When they reach adulthood, they take over the nest building duties.