Wasps – Why Is Wasp Not Flying?
WouterSeveral insects are classified as heterothermic organisms, which means they produce their own heat. This energy is used to keep the body warm. When it’s cold outside, many insects lose the ability to fly. Wasps, for example, can’t fly if the temperature is below 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wasps are part of the order Hymenoptera. Some wasp species fly during the day and others at night. The majority of wasp species are social insects. These insects rely on other wasps and foragers to find food and nectar. They also depend on their sense of smell.
Some wasps are predatory. These insects sting to paralyze their prey. Others use their mandibles to bite and dissect prey. Some parasitic wasps lay eggs on their hosts. The larva feeds on their organs and body fluids for up to two to four weeks before becoming an adult wasp.
Social wasps build nests. These nests can be found in homes. The queens lay their eggs in cells similar to beehives. When the nests are abandoned, the queens build new ones in the spring. Wasps don’t sleep as many people think.
They can sting repeatedly. However, the stings aren’t barbed like bee stingers. If the stinger gets stuck, it’s the host that dies. Some predatory wasps are known to kill hundreds of bees. These wasps are also known to carry extremely potent venom.
They can be quite territorial and will attack anything that comes near their nests. They also have poor eyesight. Some wasps are more aggressive when they are fully fed.
