How Much Does a Wasp Weigh?
WouterDepending on the species of wasp, the average weight is about tenth of a gram. However, some species of wasps can weigh more than native birds, including stoats and foxes. In fact, the largest known wasp, the Asian giant hornet, can weigh over five centimeters.
Wasps are an important group of insects. They build nests and feed on pollen, fruit, meat, and leftovers. Most wasps are solitary, but some species are social. Wasps are also stinging insects. They buzz along with colonies and sting intruders. Wasps are commonly known as jaspers in some locations in Europe. The smallest known wasp is the solitary parasitoid wasp Mymaridae.
The study evaluated the economic impact of German wasps. The wasps were weighed at eight sites in North Carolina. Each site had sample sizes of 10-51 wasps. Each sample was weighed three times. The data were analyzed using linear regression. This was done using SYSTAT v.13.1. The data were then normalized using Johnson Sb transformation.
In general, the large wasps carried larger prey than the small wasps. The average prey load for the large wasps was 116 +- 46.1 mg. However, the beetle species taken by the large wasps was more variable.
The study also showed that the range of prey size for the small wasps was 93 mg, while the prey size range for the large wasps was double that of the small wasps. However, the large wasps captured more total beetles than the small wasps.
