By Obiabin Onukwugha
Wasps are any insect of the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita of the order Hymenoptera which arr neither a bee nor an ant. There are two main types of wasps: solitary wasps and social wasps.
Solitary wasps, such as mud daubers and cicada killer wasps, are rarely a problem for people. They don’t build large colonies. Though they do have venom, they use it to paralyze their prey. They aren’t aggressive and will only sting if pressed against your skin. These wasps are beneficial and don’t need any control.
Social wasps live in large colonies where they have specific roles, and the workers will aggressively defend the nest. The most common types of social wasps you are likely to encounter include: paper wasps, bald-faced wasps, and yellow jacket wasps
While the vast majority of wasps play no role in pollination, a few species can effectively transport pollen and pollinate several plant species. Since wasps generally do not have a fur-like covering of soft hairs and a special body part for pollen storage (pollen basket) as some bees do, pollen does not stick to them well.
However it has been shown that even without hairs, several wasp species are able to effectively transport pollen, therefore contributing for potential pollination of several plant species.
Wasp’s diet varies between species. In most instances, wasps feed their larvae bits of insects that they have killed and chopped up, but the adults feed on sugars from nectar, aphid honeydew, or a sugary liquid produced by their larvae.
Wasps enjoy drinking alcohol due to its high sugar content, and just like humans, they can get drunk too.
Non-parasitic wasps are predators and scavengers. They generally feed on dead animals, or hunt insects, arachnids and invertebrates including crickets, aphids, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars.
They eat their prey themselves or bring some back to the hive to feed growing larvae. They may also use the body of another creature as a host to lay and hatch eggs. The host’s body feeds the larvae before they emerge, killing the insect.
Called “Obu” in Igbo, “Zanzaro” in Hausa and “Agbọ́n” in Yoruba, wasps can live from a few days for up to a few weeks without food.
Some adult worker wasps can live between 12 – 22 days while the queen will survive for the entire year until the cold causes the colony to die off.
Wasps can go through an amazing transformation in their lifetime. They start as grubs or caterpillars and turn into beautiful butterflies or moths.
Wasps are beneficial to ecosystems because they control insect populations.
Wasp can pose a serious health risk, particularly to people who are allergic to them as some wasp species have very painful stings that can be fatal.
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When wasps feel their nest is threatened, they can coordinate a defensive attack. Most stinging wasps can sting repeatedly.
Wasp and culture
Some cultures believe a wasp is the symbol of control over your life circumstances and signifies evolution, progress, development, and order.
Wasps as totem animals give insight into one’s warrior nature, Sixth Sense abilities, and how to live in balance with the natural world. Wasps also can teach humans about the process of creating, being creative, and taking risks.
Their message is often one of change, asserting that if things are not working well in someone’s life, they need to make some changes. Wasp symbolism is also about new beginnings and transformation.
In Native American culture, the wasp is often seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and resourcefulness. Wasps are also considered to be helpful creatures and are said to be associated with healing. In some tribes, the wasp is seen as a protector, while in others it is seen as a bringer of death.
The wasp is also a popular Celtic symbol. The Celts saw the wasp as a creature of great strength and power. Wasps were also seen as symbols of new beginnings and transformation.
In Celtic mythology, the wasp was often associated with the sun and fire. So when the wasp appears in your life, it may be a sign that you need to make some changes.
In other stories, the wasp is also a symbol of good luck. If you see a wasp, it may be a sign that something good is about to happen in your life. The Celts believe that the Wasps were the keepers of knowledge and mysteries. They also believe that Wasps were messengers from other realms
The Africans see the wasp as a symbol of good luck. It is also said to represent strength, courage, and power.
In African culture, the wasp is also associated with fertility. Wasps are known to build their nests in trees, considered sacred in many cultures.
The wasp is also said to be a symbol of new beginnings. If you see a wasp, it is said to be a sign that you should start fresh and leave your past behind. The wasp is also a symbol of protection.
Many people also choose the wasp as their totem because of its strength and power. If you have a wasp as your totem, it means you are a strong person. You are also a very protective person.
As agricultural pests, they remind us that there will always be challenges to face during times of growth but that ultimately the rewards are worth it.
Wasp is Also a Symbol of Good Luck
If you see a wasp, it may be a sign that something good is about to happen in your life.
The wasp is also a reminder that you are not alone and that you have the strength to overcome any challenges that come your way.
