How Do Wasps Eat Insects?
WouterDepending on the type of wasp, they can eat a wide variety of insects. Wasps are also known to consume plant matter and decomposing meat. They can also feed on honey and pollen. Some species of wasps will even swarm for sweet treats.
The yellow jacket wasp is one of the most common wasps that eats insects. It will eat grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars. It can also digest meat for protein.
The larval stage of the wasp looks like a short, white worm. They look at first glance like they are just a squatter, but they actually have six small jointed legs. They feed on other insects and then hatch out of their skin.
When the adult wasp emerges, they feed on nectar. They also use their giant stingers to capture prey. They may consume larval syrup, which is rich in protein. They may also eat cooked meat or raw meat.
Some wasps have a very strict diet. Other species consume insect matter, while others attack larger insects. The Asian giant hornet is the largest species of wasp. Those species also make their own nests. They feed on pollen and nectar, and their larvae will eat grasshoppers as a secondary food.
The Mexican honey wasp makes honey almost identical to that of honeybees. The chalcid wasp is the smallest species of wasp. It measures 0.139 mm in length. They are mainly pests in your garden. They also eat wood and create paper-like nests from it.
