As many of us get excited when spring arrives, looking forward to taking in the sun and spending time outside. But at the same time not looking forward to unwanted visitors, various insects, including wasps. On a sunny day while eating in the backyard or while hiking, wasps are attracted to our sugar-rich food and or drinks. At the nest the larvae are able to convert protein-rich diet into carbohydrates that they produce as small droplets full of sugar for the adult. When there are no larvae in the nest, the adults search for a sugar fix, bringing them to our picnics or while we stop for a break on the side of a trail. Always look at the container before taking the next sip. Some wasps are also pollinators. If you enjoy figs, you can thank small wasps of the family Agaonidae. Wasps are also predators of many insects we consider pests. Some wasps will even lay their eggs inside other insects, providing immediate food when their offspring are born. It’s estimated in the UK, 14 million kilograms of insects are preyed upon by wasps each summer. No harmful pesticide required. Wasps play an important role in our environment.
Just as important, a source of food for the largest flycatchers that pass through Banff. I watched this Eastern Kingbird catch three wasps. Each time after the catch. Perching with the wasp in its bill, banging it on the branch before swallowing it whole. As not to get stung when swallowing the wasp. The bird will squeeze and beat the wasp against the branch to force the venom out. Then down the hatch it goes. Birds can even tell the difference between females and males, with males not having the stinger, the beating step is skipped before eating them. I don’t worry if it’s a female or male, I skip the main meal and move to chocolate ice cream straight away.
