How Do Wasps and Bees Get Along?
WouterDespite the fact that both wasps and bees belong to the order Hymenoptera, they differ in many aspects. For one thing, bees and wasps are not carnivores. They are herbivores, meaning they eat plants and other insects.
They are also pollinators. They feed on plant pollen and nectar. However, they do not eat spiders or birds.
Most species of wasps live in colonies with a queen. Some species also have workers. These workers build the nests. The nests of wasps are not as neat as beehives. These nests are typically made out of mud. In addition to mud, some wasps also use wood fibers. These fibers are gathered locally and mixed with saliva to form the combs for brood rearing.
Some solitary wasps, like the mud dauber, live alone and feed on nectar. Other solitary wasps build their nests in the ground. Some social wasps build paper pulp nests.
Wasps and bees are both herbivores, but the latter is more aggressive and has a tendency to sting. Wasps are also predators. Some species attack bees to provide food for their young. Other species, such as the Asian giant hornet, are aggressive and will sting you.
Both wasps and bees are important pollinators. But the difference between bees and wasps is that wasps are more numerous. Wasps have two pairs of wings and a smooth body, while bees have a round abdomen. Some bees are chubby and have setae.
Wasps and bees have a bad reputation for being aggressive. Some people swat them away because they are seen as troublesome. Others simply want to be rid of a creepy crawly. It is best to avoid swatting at them.
