The oriental mortar wasp is a beneficial insect that poses no danger to humans. Here you can find out how to recognize the nest of such a wasp and how the animals live.
In a nutshell
- also known as the Oriental Mason Wasp
- 13 to 21 millimeters in size
- lives solitarily (individually and not in packs, editor's note)
- Nests are built in sheltered places
- Stitches are only given in extreme emergencies, are hardly painful and not dangerous
Characteristics of the Oriental Mason Wasp
The earliest mention of the oriental mason wasp in Europe dates back to 1979. The insects are believed to have been introduced from their original habitat. However, it is unclear whether this was accidental or intentional. The first sighting took place in Austria.
The following characteristics can help with identification:
Length: Females 13 to 17 millimeters, males 17 to 21 millimeters
Color: black with yellow to reddish brown stripes
Anatomy: conspicuous distance between anterior and posterior body segment with thin connection
Appear: between May and September
habitat
Originally, the oriental mortar wasps come from Asia. She performs in India and Nepal, among other places. However, it has also been spreading in Europe for more than 40 years.
For the nest and brood cavities, the animals choose areas protected from rain. They are therefore mainly found in residential areas.
Notice: This species of wasp often lives in apartments. However, most people do not notice this. As soon as windows are closed, the animal can make itself felt at the window.
nests
The oriental mason wasp builds so-called clay barrels as nests and brood cavities. These are small tubes with an opening at one end. They can appear individually or in groups and serve as a shelter, protection and place for the wasps to lay their eggs.
They are built from different materials. These are:
- Earth
- Clay
- sand
- saliva
Notice: The nests are about two to three centimeters long. After completion and drying out they are very hard.
Places for nests
The oriental mortar wasp builds the clay barrels in sheltered places. These include, among other things:
- Books
- gutters
- dark niches
- window frames
- clothing and other textiles
- awnings
- shelves
- cabinets
- shed
lining
What makes the oriental mortar wasp so useful is the food. She feeds herself and her offspring on, among other things:
- larvae
- nectar
- pollen
- be crazy
So they fertilize plants and at the same time keep the populations of other insects in balance.
Wasps collect spiders for their offspring, which they first stun with a sting and then bring into the brood cavity. They stock up so that the young wasps can feed on the spiders first.
assistance
During very dry periods, you can help the wasps by offering them building materials. A saucer or a bowl with moist earth, sand or clay is sufficient for this. Flowering plants that provide pollen and nectar are also helpful.
It is also useful to offer an insect hotel with gaps. Here wasps can build nests out of clay and stay away from the house or apartment. Corresponding models can be found online, in stationary shops and can also be built yourself.
frequently asked Questions
Can mortar wasps sting?Yes, animals can do that. However, the stings are not usually dangerous for humans. In addition, the solitary insects only sting in extreme emergencies, when they feel threatened. However, they do not defend their nests.
Do the Oriental Mason Wasps pose a threat to native insects?No, as wasps feed on both plant and animal sources. They are just another control instance. They are not pests in the garden either because they do not gnaw on plants. They don't even bother people while eating.
Do nests need to be removed?If these are present in disturbing areas and are no longer inhabited, the clay tunnels can be removed. However, this is absolutely necessary in the rarest of cases.