For most of the summer we have indulged in candid
observation of the paper wasps who decided to make colonies on the underside of
the awnings. They are called paper wasps for the paper-like construction of
their nests which consists of small cubicles (or nursery rooms) wherein the infant
wasp grows into an adult. A Queen will lay the eggs in the open cells while
other females help build future nests. Once a queen dies, a new egg-laying
female will take her place while the ladies in waiting care for her.
In our observations, the young wasp slowly emerges from
a cubicle and then gently dries its body with a leg or two until all has
expanded and fluffed out. Once dry it will fly away for a meal or take its
place among the others who gather over the nest, guarding the growing infants.
The Paper wasps usually build
their comb nests to hang from objects like twigs or tree branches, shrubs, porch
ceilings, the tops of doorframes, eaves, or attic rafters… imagine our luck in discovering three nests
under the awnings where could easily view their antics from behind the safety
of glass.
There are about 22 known paper
wasp species in North America, and hundreds in the world. Similar
relatives to paper wasps include the dreadful yellow jackets and hornets… both
of which need little provocation to attack.
Paper wasps generally have a thin “waist,” with six long
legs and an almost triangular side view as well as two wings and antennae.
They are mostly brown or black with possibly some yellow coloration. The
known paper wasp species share these colorations, but may also
have different bands of colors and markings that separate them from one
another. Some species of paper wasp may even have hints of
bolder colors like red, or even brighter colored lines compared to others.
In early summer wasps, like bees, pollinate plants and
flowers as they feed on nectar thus if we were to eradicate all wasps it could cause a
substantial problem in the global ecology… with this purpose alone wasps prove they are a very beneficial
insect. When you add other items to their menu which includes flies, garden
pests, and destructive web worms, their value increases.
In the autumn, future queens will seek places to spend
the winter and find their way indoors, possibly to a shed or garage where they
will spend the winter. In springtime
they will emerge to build their signature umbrella-shaped nests and others will
gather to them and begin the project of raising progeny.
To avoid being noticed by Wasps
keep food covered when dining outdoors and since all wasps are exceedingly
thirsty make sure children stay away from fountains and small bodies of water. Since
flowers nectar is a favorite food source, avoid wearing strong flowery fragrances
and when hiking opt for shoes that cover and protect feet from rogue wasps
lurking in the grasses. From a safe distance, observing wasps is a perfect
summer time pastime.
Of Trivial Interest: During my research I discovered a little
known tropical species, the Jewel Wasp, who is a true hero since her prey is
cockroaches. With her special venom she renders the roaches mindless and fearless
taking away their will to escape as she feeds the living roach to her babies Hannibal
Lecter style. (*Good for her…Never feel
sorry for roaches!)
Photo is outside my west window!
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