European Wasps, Decapitation, and Agitated Flapping
Did you read about the environmental crisis that was the 2020 invasion of Murder Hornets in the US? (The New York Times did a piece on it here!) We hear about invasive pests left, right and centre, but the Murder Hornet was centre stage in 2020. Perhaps it was the horrific imagery of their suit-puncturing stingers and the solemn bee massacre that captured people.
As bizarre and scary as they may seem, they’ve got competition. In Australia, the European Wasp is flashing its vibrant yellow stripes, and spreading faster than we can say ‘crikey’.
Quick Facts:
Scientific name: Vespula germanica
Geographic location: Native to Europe North Africa and Asia
Distinguishing feature: 2cm long, yellow and black abdomen with black feelers
Conservation status: Invasive pest in Australia, New Zealand and North and South America
European Wasps are remarkable scavengers who will eat any flesh or sweet thing they can find. Prey often includes the carcass of cows and kangaroos. Creating a swarm around the food, they will attack other interested parties such as blowflies or dingos.
Dingos have been observed trying to bite at the wasps before quickly running away. Blowflies have also been found decapitated after approaching a swarm. Scientists theorise that they may take the blowfly heads back to their larvae for food.
(As far as I can tell, these aren't European Wasps. But look at how ferocious the wasp world is!)
This threat to blowflies compromises their ability to pollinate the local environment. European wasps also have a significant impact on the forest ecology of New Zealand as they consume large amounts of honeydew which native birds rely on.
European Wasps were first discovered on the island state of Tasmania in the late 1950s, and quickly became established on the mainland in 1970. The reason for their successful invasion lies in their seasonal reproduction cycle. Nests are most active during summer and autumn, and in the harsh winters of their native lands, they would hibernate in winter. Scientists suspect that they reached Australia on cargo ships during their dormant stage before quickly multiplying from there.
In addition to their bullish behaviour, they are capable of reproducing very quickly. Due to the mild chill of the land down-under, wasp nests are able to skip hibernation and continue on multiplying all year round. Some reports have estimated nest sizes of up to 100,000 individuals!
I know what you’re thinking… But what about me? Will they sting me? Is this the end? Not quite. They can, and will, sting you multiple times if provoked. But, authorities on the matter say that as long as you don’t flap your arms about like a headless chicken (their favourite lunchtime snack), you’ll be fine.
If you do come across a nest, (perhaps eating your dog’s breakfast or dancing around with blowflies like they’re in West Side Story), call the European Wasp Hotline. The team will take them away before they get into more strife.
What would you like to hear about next week on Wacky Wednesday? Comment below or message me on Instagram!
Comments