How Much Do Wasps Pollinate?
WouterDespite their reputation as pests, wasps are an important part of the pollinating guild. Their presence helps protect plants from harmful garden pests, and their venom has antibiotic properties.
There are more than 950 different species of wasps. Some are generalist pollinators, while others specialize in certain flowers. These wasps visit flowers for nectar, but they also act as pollen carriers.
These wasps are most active during the day. Their short mouthparts allow them to access nectar in shallow blooms. They can also collect nectar from deep flowers. Their mouths allow them to draw nectar from the corolla tubes of flowers. They can also store pollen temporarily in their digestive track.
In some environments, wasps can even surpass bees in pollination efficiency. In some tropical countries, wasp larvae are harvested for food. The amount eaten depends on the individual colonies.
Some species of stinging wasps make honey. Others are predators and prey on agricultural pests. These wasps can even benefit humans, as their venom has shown promising results in treating cancer.
Other wasps are parasitic. Some female parasitoids feed on their hosts, while others oviposit eggs on the same host. This allows them to obtain nutrients from the host’s diet. Then, these female parasitoids can continue to search for more host sites.
The thorax of wasps is covered with thick black hairs. It is also covered with a dense hair on the abdomen. This hair helps wasps stick pollen to their bodies, making it easier for bees to transfer the pollen.
