Vespidae

Wasps are solitary or social insects, depending on the species, with social wasps forming large colonies during the warmer months. They are carnivorous or omnivorous, feeding on other insects, nectar, and sometimes human food, and they defend their nests aggressively using venomous stings.

Social wasps are colony-based, with a single queen responsible for reproduction, laying eggs that hatch into workers, males, or new queens. After mating, the fertilized queens overwinter, and the colony dies off, with new queens starting colonies in the spring.

Wasps have elongated, smooth bodies, with large compound eyes and a pair of antennae. Their stingers are capable of injecting venom, which they use to paralyze prey or defend their nests; some wasp species can sting multiple times.

Wasps have existed for millions of years, with early fossil evidence dating back to the Cretaceous period. They play crucial roles in ecosystems as both predators and pollinators and are important in controlling pest insect populations.

Wasps are abundant and widespread, with over 30,000 species found across the globe. While many species are not threatened, some local populations may face pressures from habitat destruction or pesticide use, impacting their colonies and survival.