Wasps – Are Wasps Better Pollinators Than Bees?

Despite their similarities to bees, wasps have a bad image among the public. This may be attributed to the lack of knowledge about their ecosystem services. However, public engagement with wasps can help improve the image of these beneficial insects.

Wasps belong to the same Order as bees. They are also closely related to ants. Wasps are generalist pollinators, and transfer pollen from one flower to another. They also produce beeswax and honey. They are important to agriculture, because they prey on insects that infest crops.

Wasps are also beneficial to the environment, because they help maintain a healthy ecosystem. They kill pest insects, including those that carry human diseases. Their colonies are often built in burrows that are excavated in the substrate. The nests are constructed from mud and wood fibers, which are softened by chewing. These fibers are then mixed with saliva, and used to make combs for brood rearing.

Wasps are not as good pollinators as bees. This may be because their bodies have different structure. The thorax of wasps is covered with thick black hairs. These hairs help the females carry pollen loads.

Wasps are also predators, and kill insects that infest crops. Their colonies can munch on up to 3000 insects a day. In the UK, social wasp colonies prey on 14 million kilograms of insect prey a year.

Wasps also have a fascinating social life. Their colonies usually have many workers and a queen. When a worker flies to a flower, he or she carries pollen and returns it to the nest.

Continue reading:

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