How Do Wasps Affect the Environment?
WouterThousands of different species of wasps have important roles in nature. These creatures range from solitary parasites, to colonial predators, to pollinators. Some of them are beneficial to humans and others are harmful. However, wasps are under attack from global climate change and pesticide use.
Wasps are one of the largest groups of arthropods, or insects. They are also one of the largest groups of predators, and have the capacity to regulate populations. Their venom contains antibiotic properties, and has been found to have the potential to treat cancer.
Wasps have been important in research in many fields. They are useful as environmental monitoring tools, and may even be a valuable food source for certain animals. They are also used in biological control programs to control pests. In some tropical countries, they are harvested for food.
Scientists have a lot to learn about the importance of wasps, and are asking for help from the public. Their venom contains a compound called mastoparan, which may be useful in fighting cancer.
The University College London has led a study on the value of wasps. They examined more than 500 academic papers. They discovered that wasps play a role in regulating insect populations, and that the population size of these species is usually not enough to threaten the biodiversity of the prey.
Scientists are looking for ways to stop people from swatting wasps. The research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the European Commission.
