What Wasps Make Honey?
WouterUnlike bees, most wasps do not make honey. However, there are a few species that make honey, and some of them are edible. They are also good pollinators. You can find honey wasps in South and Central America.
These insects are referred to as “Cuchii” in Mexico. They are very social and are not aggressive unless disturbed. Their nests are built in trees up to 25 feet off the ground. Depending on the species, the nest may contain anywhere from one to 18000 wasps. They only make honey when flowers are in bloom.
Aside from nectar, wasps also enjoy eating fruit, meat, and sugary drinks. They are commonly seen around picnics and trash cans. They also prey on other insects.
There are a few wasp species that produce honey, and most of them are social insects. The Mexican honey wasp is the most famous of these. It produces honey almost the same way as honey bees, but it is not as commonly available for human consumption.
The honey produced by the Mexican honey wasp is a little different from other honeys. It contains a combination of common floral materials, including pollen. The honey has a flavor similar to maple syrup, and it is edible.
Aside from pollinating flowers, wasps also feed their larvae. This makes them an excellent pest control tool. Some species will even attack bee colonies to steal honey.
The Asian giant hornet is an example of a species that is used as a pollinator in some areas. Their secretions are collected by beverage companies and used in energy drinks.
