How Did Wasps Come to New Zealand?
WouterDuring the past 60 years, the common wasp has become the most abundant species of wasp in New Zealand. It is native to Europe and Asia. It was first recorded in New Zealand in 1921. It has expanded its distribution quickly to be the most common species in many cities.
The German wasp is another native of Europe and arrived in New Zealand in the 1940s with aircraft parts. It is very similar to the common wasp. The German wasp is a pest and has major social and economic impacts. Thousands of wasps eat honeybees and other insects. This is a major threat to New Zealand’s honey and fruit industries. It is a noxious weed that costs New Zealand about $133 million a year in damages.
Several other species have been introduced to New Zealand. In the late 1970s, the wasp-nest beetle was introduced. This type of bio control agent has been effective in wiping out wasps in the North Island. But Tasman District Council has applied for the introduction of another agent, the hover fly, to New Zealand.
Vespula wasps are social wasps that form complex social groups. They are highly efficient foragers and breeders. They easily adapt to new environments and can thrive in mild climates. They are also voracious breeders and produce thousands of drones in summer. Their biomass is higher than that of all other pests combined.
Dr. Darren Ward, entomologist at Landcare Research, says there are several different species of wasps in New Zealand. The vespula wasp is the largest and has a high biomass. It is also known as the black hunting wasp. It is found in coastal vegetation composed of Myoporum spp.
