What Role Do Wasps Play in Nature?
WouterDespite being a pest, wasps are a key part of nature. Their role in nature ranges from pollination to pest control. Their contributions to the ecosystem may help ensure the future health of the world’s plants and animals.
Almost every pest insect is preyed upon by a wasp species. They provide essential pollination services for 164 plant species. Interestingly, some orchid species have evolved flowers that look like female wasps.
While wasps can sting multiple times, they are a relatively inconspicuous species. They may be used as sustainable pest control in developing countries. They have also been found to clean decaying fruit. They also produce powerful antibiotics in their venom.
They are often used by the agriculture industry to help protect crops. The most common wasps are eusocial, living in nests with non-reproducing workers. They are found in every country in the world.
Wasps also help control pests by catching caterpillars. They are also used to kill white flies, cabbage loopers and other pests. In the UK, social wasps capture 14 million kilograms of insect prey each summer. They are also used to control pests in parks, gardens and schools. They build nests out of mud on flat surfaces. They then cover their nests with a pheromone.
A study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that wasps are a valuable natural pest control agent. They can reduce insect populations and help reduce the waste produced by these pests.
