How Do Wasps Live in Colonies?
WouterDuring the spring, social wasp colonies are formed. These colonies consist of many females and workers. They are built in buildings and trees.
The social wasp colony starts with a queen. She lays eggs in a small nest. Her workers build the nest and care for the young. She lays eggs in a six-sided comb, which is enlarged as the nest is filled with larvae.
The nests are made up of chewed plant material and wood fibers, which are mixed with saliva. The nests are often attached to building eaves. In the early spring, swarms may form on tall structures.
Social wasps are friendly insects. They are a part of the family Vespidae. Some species have underground nests, while others prefer to live in manmade structures. They also are predators of many pest insects. Their colonies can grow to more than 5,000 individuals. They are highly active during the night. Their nests are also very small.
Some social wasps prefer to nest in hollow trees, while others prefer to nest in rock crevices. They are also predators of reptiles and amphibians. Birds, raccoons, and bears are known to prey on these insects.
Some of the most common wasp species are black and yellow. They are found in most parts of the world except Antarctica. They are often deployed as a cheap form of pest control. Some nests are large and elaborate.
In the early spring, a new queen starts a colony. Her first nest is a small one. Other workers may join the queen’s nest. The queen continues to lay eggs and the nest expands as the larvae hatch.
