Reproduction

Fertile males and females are produced from a colony in late autumn and spend winter resting before beginning their colony in spring. Between 1000 and 2000 queens may be produced from each colony.

Their nest is formed from wood fibers. This is chewed and formed by the common wasp in to regular-shaped cells known as combs in which the larva can be raised. In to each chamber they deposit a single egg.

Each egg hatches as a larvae after 5 to 8 days. These larvae undergo a number of molts and after 90 days spin a silk cap over the cell in which they can pupate. After 80 days in this cell an adult worker wasp emerges.

Behavior

Common wasps form a colony which tends to nest below ground though they may be seen in hollow trees and even the wall cavities of man-made structures. Typically only a small hole is visible above ground.

Queens are responsible for egg laying. Their first few eggs produce workers who then take care of the nest leaving the queen to continue producing the eggs.

Once the reproductive young are produced in the autumn they fly off to a spot to overwinter and their original colony will pass away. By this point the nest may include 1000s of wasps.

Predators and Threats

A natural predator of the common wasp is the Argentine ant.

Common wasps carry a sting which to some humans can be fatal mainly due to a severe allergic reaction.

These wasps have benefited from human expansion which has allowed them to extend their range. They are accidentally transported in goods which are being traded around the world.

In much of their range they are subject to poison baiting to control their numbers.

In areas where they are introduced they will take food sources away from the native species. They also cause economic damage due to pest activity around forestry, agriculture and beekeeping.

Quick facts

Wasps are close relatives of the ants which have the ability to fly.