Wasps can sting repeatedly
This fascinating pollinator is a paper wasp. These wild looking wasps measure in at about an inch. Their body coloration ranges and may include yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. This paper wasp even appears to have green eyes!
Why is it called a paper wasp? These types of wasps (vespid wasps) consume plant fibers, and mix it with their saliva. This creates a paper-like product that is used to make their nests. Then to protect these nests, paper wasps will secrete an ant repelling chemical on the base of the nest. In addition to this defense, paper wasps also have a painful sting. Unlike bees that only sting once, wasps can sting repeatedly. Their stinger does not fall off after use. However, only the female wasps have stingers and they tend to sting only when their colony is threatened.
There was a study done with European paper wasps which found that the wasps with the brighter colors were more venomous. The brighter colored wasps had larger poison glands. The European paper wasp uses its bright colors to warn other possible predators.
What do paper wasps eat?
Besides nectar, paper wasps will eat flies, bug larvae, and even caterpillars. According to the gardening community, paper wasps are seen as beneficial to your garden.
Paper wasps eat flies, bug larvae, and caterpillars
Paper wasps can use transitive inference!
In the recent years, there has been some exciting news about paper wasps and their intelligence level. Deduction was once thought to be a logic tool only used by vertebrates. What does that mean? If John is taller than Sam, and Sam is taller than Rick, John must be taller than Rick. As humans, we are using something called transitive inference to figure that out. This form of logic was thought to be confined to vertebrates, but a recent study conducted by the University of Michigan has shown that paper wasps were able to demonstrate this form of logic. This test was conducted on honeybees back in 2004, and they failed the test.
This paper wasp is perched on a goldenrod flower. These flowers are commonly seen in open meadows and fields. In fact, this isn’t the first time Wild Boyz Photography has showcased a goldenrod flower. Check out this other goldenrod pollinator from Maine:
The paper wasp photographed above is from Eagle Creek Park, located near Indianapolis, Indiana. Check out some other wild photographs from Eagle Creek Park.
Eagle Creek Park is a great place. It is comprised of about 3,900 acres of land and about 1,400 acres of water. There are about 10 miles of trails that run through the park. Another nice part about Eagle Creek Park is that is it cheap to visit. The daily entrance fee for a hiker or cycler is only $1.50! If you want to drive into the park, it is only $5-$6.
Did you know? Paper wasps are also called “umbrella wasps”.
Did you know? There are ~30,000 identified species of wasps worldwide!
Did you know? Wasps can be found on every continent except Antarctica!
This paper wasp was seen at Eagle Creek Park
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