Wasps usually live together in underground nests. The queen of the respective wasp colony builds the nest and establishes the state. How exactly does such a wasp queen look like?

In a nutshell

  • Wasps must not be killed without reason, they are protected
  • The queen wasp builds the nest and takes care of the offspring
  • Identify a queen by her size
  • "Empress" falls into hibernation

features and appearance

The German wasp (Vespula germanica) belongs to the genus of short-headed wasps (Vespula). Characteristic of these animals is their black and yellow coloring. Which acts as a warning signal from afar. In appearance, the wasp queens do not really differ from their colonies, the workers and drones. In addition to the striking body coloration, there are other characteristics to recognize a wasp such as:

  • typical drawing on the head shield (front plate or clypeus)
  • consisting of one to three small black dots
  • middle dot may also appear as a vertical bar pointing down
  • this can be interrupted
  • or only a spot visible instead of dots
  • Existing 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide area between the base of the upper jaw (mandible) and the lower edge of the eye
  • Size equals the diameter of a pinpoint eye (ocellus) for queens and workers
  • slightly larger in males
  • Abdomen markings are variable
  • typical, however, the "diamond spot"

It should also be said that only all female animals have a sting and can therefore only sting, males cannot. the sting is:

  • approximately 2.7mm long
  • has a barb

The musculature around the stinger is so well developed that after a sting the wasp is able to pull it out of its victim without damaging it. The wasp doesn't have to die. Things are a bit different with bees, they die after a sting.

Notice: A single eye on the head of the arthropod is referred to as an ocellus, a "little eye". In addition, there are also complex eyes.

Queens are bigger

The queen cannot be clearly distinguished from her colony by the typical characteristics of a wasp. On the other hand, the size of the wasp is more of an indication of the ruler of the state. In general, wasp queens are larger than the rest of the animals, namely:

  • Queen 17 to 20 mm
  • Worker 12 to 16 mm
  • Males (drones) 13 to 17 mm

Notice: Wasps must not simply be killed or tormented for no reason. They are under nature protection. Violations will be punished with high fines.

Queen wasp building her nest

Only queens survive

Have you ever wondered why there are no more wasps to be seen in winter? These people are perhaps a bit "peculiar". During the summer, worker bees raise queens and drones. Finally, the queens are mated by the drones. After that, the drones die and the queen goes in search of winter quarters. There she falls into a so-called hibernation. The rest of the wasp colony does not survive the winter.

Tip: If a wasp strays outside of its winter quarters in winter, it can only be a queen wasp.

construction of the state

In the spring, the queen wasp is woken up by the first rays of sunshine and starts looking for a suitable place to build a nest. She then begins laying eggs and raising the first brood. After the hatching of the first young animals, the first workers, they then take over further rearing. The "ruler" in the state is then only busy laying eggs. The cycle now begins again.

frequently asked Questions

Are there protections against wasps in the garden?

The little beasts quickly find out where there is something to eat. It is always advisable to use plants near the balcony and terrace that animals do not like, such as strong-smelling herbs, essential oils or lemon peppered with cloves. Food and drinks should be covered. A secluded spot can also be set up as a "feeding station". Juicy fruit can be used as a lure.

Can a wasp sting be dangerous for humans?

In general, these pests sting more often than bees. However, a sting only occurs if they feel threatened or see a danger. Only the female animals sting. A wasp sting is usually not dangerous. It is no more toxic than a bee sting, on the contrary, a bee sting releases ten times more toxins. However, a wasp sting can be life-threatening for people with allergies.

Why isn't a wasp visible in winter?

In wasps, only the queen wasp survives the winter. In its winter quarters, it falls into a kind of hibernation. Only in spring, when the sun comes out again, is she awakened. The drones die immediately after mating in the summer, followed shortly thereafter by the rest of the colony.

Category:

Animals in the garden