Wasp in Resin

Unlike honeybees, who create their own food (honey) from flower nectar, wasps are scavengers. They feed mainly on nectar, other insects, and human leftovers like meat and produce. Wasps are beneficial to humans in many ways – they feed on nectar and pollen, pollinating flowers, and are most are parasitic, helping to limit insect pest populations. When threatened, a female wasp will use her ovipositor to inject venom into the aggressor. If an entire colony is threatened, it will release an army of up to 100 female wasps in defense. Male wasps, however, cannot sting and are virtually defenseless. Most wasps are slightly larger than honeybees with vivid black and yellow stripes. They can be found across the globe, and prefer to nest in rodent burrows, wood piles, and other crevices. This specimen is set in transparent lucite resin, making it a great decorative piece or educational display.