How Did European Wasps Come to Australia?
WouterOriginally native to Northern Africa, Europe and Asia, European Wasps have become established in Australia. These exotic insects can be dangerous to humans.
They are considered invasive species because of the negative impact they have on wildlife. They are an agricultural pest because they eat protein and sweet foods. Their aggressive stings can cause pain and swelling, and some people have allergic reactions to them.
In Australia, European Wasps primarily live in eastern parts. They have also been introduced to other Australian states. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development uses passive surveillance techniques to keep these insects in check.
European Wasps live in colonies. Each nest can contain several hundred wasps. The queen lays eggs in the nest cells. The larvae develop into workers. These workers raise the next generation of queens. These queens then fly away from the nest to start their own nest.
The European Wasp’s nest is usually under the ground. In Europe, the nests often break down in winter. However, in Australia, they are able to survive through winter. Some nests even grow into super-nests with several hundred thousand wasps.
In the first two months, the queen lays eggs in the nest cells. She then takes a pause to hibernate. She emerges in late autumn. She then mates with males from the colony. These males die off soon after. The new queen lays a larger batch of eggs, which will grow into a new generation of wasps.
