Wasps and Stingers
WouterWhether you like them or not, wasps are important creatures. They play a key role in our environment and are essential to the lives of many insects.
Wasps are part of the order Hymenoptera and are often confused with bees. There are over 4,000 species of wasps in North America. Some of these species are solitary, while others are social. Most species have multiple sets of wings. Wasps are also known for their stings.
Wasps have a complicated life cycle and differ in behavior depending on the season. For instance, if temperatures drop below 50deg F, wasps will slow down or stop flying altogether. At the same time, wasps can sting humans if they feel threatened. They can also use their mandibles to scrape wood.
Wasps also use their wings to generate wind and lift themselves into the air. They will not fly when it is dark or at night. Wasps can also use their mandibles to break up their food.
Wasps are known for their aggressive behavior. During the summer, they are especially active. They will attack anything that threatens their nest. They can be found in places such as roof eaves and overhangs. The nests they build are often paper-like. Paper wasps are known for their hexagonal design and orange antennae.
Wasps can also sting through socks, clothing, shoes, and even bandanas. Their stings aren’t barbed, but rather straight. This means they can penetrate lightweight clothing and socks.
