- Wasp is the common name for any of approximately 25,000 insects that
have well-defined life stages, separated by a distinct metamorphosis,
the adult having a narrow waist between the first and second abdominal
segments
- There are almost 300 species of wasps in the British Isles.
- Only the female wasp stings.
- Wasps do not die after stinging.
- There are 3 groups of classification for wasps - parasitic, social
and solitary.
- Only the Queen common wasp - a social wasp - survives the winter
by hibernating.
- The common wasp makes her nest froim chewed and pulped wood, resembling
paper.
- A single colony of wasps may be as large as 2,000 insects.
- Wasps vary greatly in size.
- Although adult wasps are largely carnivorous, or meat eaters, some
also eat vegetable matter, such as overripe fruit.
- As a rule, young wasps are fed entirely on other insects or insect
remains.
- Several species have economic importance, because they are among the
pollinators of commercial crops, and because some feed on such destructive
caterpillars as the corn-ear worm and army worm.
- A species that is native to Africa is known to prey on the eggs of
the rhinoceros beetle, an insect that causes immense damage in coconut-growing
regions.
- Wasp venom, or poison, contains histamine and a factor that dissolves
red blood cells. A wasp sting can be fatal to a sensitive person.
- Desensitization can be accomplished by injections of antigen extracts.
- can reach a body length of about 5 cm (about 2 in)
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