Wasps
Wasps
are classified as either social (they live in a colony) or solitary (they
live by themselves). New Zealand has lots of native species of solitary
wasps, but no native species of social wasps.
We have
been invaded by solitary
wasps and four species of social wasp that are upsetting the
balance of nature in the New Zealand environment. Wasps are predators
of many native invertebrates, and they compete with native animals for
sugary food. Also, they can affect important industries such as
forestry and tourism, and they spoil our enjoyment of the outdoors. No
one likes being stung or fighting a wasp off a jam sandwich.
Click on the photos below to see video footage of the impact of
wasps |
 |
 |
| Wasps compete with birds for
honeydew |
Wasps eat native invertebrates |
Life History
of Social Wasps
Wasp weapons |
