Wasps have generally earned themselves a bad reputation. But despite their occasional aggression, these insects play an important role in the ecosystem. #wasp #wildlifephotography #wildlife
There are over 7,000 wasp species living in the UK, comprising a huge variety of solitary and social species. The majority are parasitoids, which have young that eat insects or spiders alive. However, the most commonly seen wasps are the black and yellow social species.
Colonies of social wasps are considered annoying pests - they often nest in manmade structures and deal out painful stings if you get too close. Yet despite our grievances, the ecosystem actually relies on these underappreciated insects.
So what are the benefits of wasps?
Natural pest control
Wasps are probably best known for disrupting summer picnics, but they are actually very important in keeping the ecosystem balanced. Without wasps, the world could be overrun with spiders and insects.
Natural pest control
Wasps are probably best known for disrupting summer picnics, but they are actually very important in keeping the ecosystem balanced. Without wasps, the world could be overrun with spiders and insects.
Each summer, social wasps in the UK capture an estimated 14 million kilogrammes of insect prey, such as caterpillars and greenfly. Perhaps we should be calling them a gardener's friend. Read more at nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-…
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