Interesting Facts About Wasps
WouterAmong the most interesting facts about wasps is how they contribute to the health of our environment. They are beneficial pollinators, predators and decomposers. They help maintain the ecosystem by providing pest control, feeding the animals that feed on them, and pollinating flowers.
During the summer months, social wasps capture over 14 million kilograms of insect prey in the UK. They are also known for dispersing seeds. Social wasps control pests such as ants, spiders, and greenfly. They also feed on pest insects, reducing the need for pesticides. They are also useful in habitats where bees are not common.
A major scientific review of ecosystem services revealed the value of wasps. They are valuable pollinators and contribute to the global economy.
Approximately 33,000 species of stinging wasps are found worldwide. Their venom has powerful antibiotics and cancer-cell killing properties. The venom of a social wasp also functions as an ovipositor. These nests provide homes for beneficial insects, help protect crops, and help farmers.
A research team at the University of London recently conducted a review of the ecosystem services of stinging wasps. They reviewed more than 500 academic papers to identify how the insects contribute to our environment. The results showed that stinging wasps provide essential pollination services, helping to make up a major portion of the $250 billion global economy.
Another interesting fact about wasps is their ability to produce powerful antibiotics. The venom of social wasps contains a compound called mastoparan. This compound can target cancerous cells, but it has limited practical application.
