Wasps

 The common wasp, also known as the European wasp, is a species of social wasp widely found across Europe, North America, and various other regions where it has been introduced. Known for their distinctive yellow and black striped bodies, these wasps are both admired for their ecological roles and feared for their painful stings.

Common wasps have a striking appearance with bright yellow and black bands across their abdomen. They typically measure between 12 to 17 millimetres (0.5 to 0.7 inches) in length. The wasps have two pairs of wings, with the forewings being larger than the hindwings. Their bodies are divided into three segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head features large compound eyes, a pair of antennae, and strong mandibles used for chewing. The females possess a sting that is used for defence and subduing prey.

Common wasps are social insects that live in colonies, which can contain thousands of individuals. These colonies are usually founded by a single queen in the spring. The queen lays eggs that hatch into worker wasps, which take over the duties of foraging, nest building, and caring for the larvae.

The diet of common wasps is quite varied. Adults primarily feed on nectar, making them important pollinators, while they also hunt other insects to feed to their larvae. They are known to scavenge human food and waste, especially in late summer and autumn when natural food sources become scarce.

Common wasps build their nests out of a paper-like substance made from chewed wood fibres mixed with saliva. These nests are often found in sheltered locations such as underground burrows, tree cavities, wall cavities, and roof spaces.

Reproduction in common wasps involves the queen laying eggs in the cells of the nest. In the early stages of colony development, she lays eggs that develop into sterile female workers. Towards the end of summer, the queen starts laying eggs that will develop into new queens and males (drones). After mating, the new queens leave the nest to hibernate over winter, while the males and worker wasps die as the colony declines.

Common wasps can be both beneficial and problematic to humans. On the positive side, they help control pest insect populations and contribute to pollination. However, they are often considered pests due to their aggressive behaviour when defending their nests and their tendency to scavenge human food and garbage. Their stings can be painful and, in some cases, cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in susceptible individuals.

Common wasps are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, urban areas, and agricultural regions. They prefer environments with ample food sources and suitable nesting sites, which can include natural and man-made structures.

The Saxon wasp, scientifically known as Dolichovespula saxonica, is a species of social wasp native to Europe. It has become more prevalent in various regions, including parts of the United Kingdom. Known for its distinct nesting behavior and characteristic appearance, the Saxon wasp plays an important role in its ecosystem, primarily as a predator of other insects.

Saxon wasps are medium-sized wasps, typically measuring between 11 to 16 millimetres (0.4 to 0.6 inches) in length. They have a distinctive black and yellow striped body, with clear differentiation between the segments of their abdomen. The head and thorax are predominantly black with yellow markings. Their wings are translucent and their antennae are long and segmented. Like other wasps, females have a sting that is used for defence and subduing prey.

Saxon wasps are social insects that live in colonies, which are usually smaller than those of some other wasp species, such as the common wasp. These colonies are typically founded by a single queen in the spring. The queen lays eggs that hatch into worker wasps, which then take over the duties of foraging, nest building, and caring for the larvae.

The diet of Saxon wasps includes nectar, which provides energy for adults, and various insects, which are captured and fed to the larvae. This predatory behaviour helps in controlling pest insect populations. Saxon wasps are generally less aggressive than some other wasp species, but they will defend their nests if they feel threatened.

Saxon wasps are known for building their nests in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and man-made structures such as attics and sheds. Their nests are made from a papery material created by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests are typically spherical or pear-shaped, with an outer covering that protects the inner combs of hexagonal cells where the queen lays her eggs. The nests are often suspended from branches or other structures and can grow quite large over the course of the summer.

In the spring, a queen begins constructing a nest and lays her eggs in the cells. Initially, she performs all the duties, including foraging and nest maintenance. As the first generation of worker wasps matures, they take over these tasks, allowing the queen to focus on egg-laying. Towards the end of the summer, the queen produces eggs that develop into new queens and males. After mating, the new queens leave the nest to find hibernation sites for the winter, while the rest of the colony, including the old queen and males, dies off as temperatures drop.

Saxon wasps can be beneficial due to their role in controlling pest insect populations. However, their nests near human dwellings can pose a risk, especially if disturbed. While generally less aggressive, Saxon wasps can deliver painful stings if they perceive a threat to their nest.

To manage Saxon wasp populations around homes, it is advisable to remove nests early in the season when they are still small. Preventative measures such as sealing potential nesting sites and using wasp repellents can also help reduce the likelihood of nesting near human activity.

Saxon wasps are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They prefer locations with abundant food sources and suitable nesting sites. Common nesting sites include trees, shrubs, roof spaces, and outbuildings.