How Do Wasps Feed Their Young?
WouterSeveral species of wasps feed their young in different ways. Some species raise their young in a solitary fashion, while others form nests with relatives or other wasps. Some species even feed on their own kind. There are even mud dauber wasps that hunt spiders. Regardless of the type of wasp, all of these insects have an attraction to sugary foods, especially after their larvae are born.
When a female wasp is ready to lay eggs, she fills a burrow with as many insects as possible. This burrow may be as large as three feet long and contains as many as dozens of chambers. These burrows are sealed off from predators with moss bits.
The female wasp then lays eggs inside of the insect body. The eggs then develop into fertile female wasps. These wasps then become the next year’s queens. They lay dozens to thousands of eggs at a time. This cycle ensures that there are enough adult wasps for the nest.
When the larvae are ready to pupate, they spin their cap over the cell. The larvae look like a short, fat white worm. They have six small jointed legs. They secrete a sugary liquid that helps them survive. They feed on carrion and insects, eat sugary foods and produce nectar for the adults.
When the larvae are ready to emerge, they hatch and eat their prey. The larvae then pupate and reemerge as adults with everything they need for the nest.
