Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are recognized for their defensive sting, but they occupy a complex position in the natural world as both hunters and hunted. Many species are predators that capture prey like caterpillars and aphids to feed their developing larvae, regulating insect populations and supporting natural pest control. The high-protein content of their larvae and the adult wasps makes them a valuable food source for a wide range of animals. These natural enemies are a primary mechanism for controlling wasp populations.
Mammalian Predators That Dig Up Nests
Mammals that consume wasps often target the nest to access the protein-rich larvae and pupae within. The American badger (Taxidea taxus) uses its powerful forelimbs and long claws to excavate the underground nests of yellow jackets and other ground-dwelling wasps.
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) frequently raids wasp colonies, often utilizing the cover of night when the adult wasps are less active. Skunks scratch at the entrance of a ground nest, consuming the emerging insects and the nest contents. Their thick fur provides insulation against stings, and their tolerance for venom appears to be greater than that of many other animals.
Black bears (Ursus americanus) also seek out wasp nests, tearing open above-ground paper nests or digging into the ground to reach colonies. While the thick hide and dense fur of the bear offer some protection from stings, the primary motivation is the nutrient-dense larvae. The ability of these mammals to withstand multiple stings allows them to effectively regulate wasp populations.
Birds That Hunt Wasps in Flight
A number of avian species have developed precise hunting techniques to capture adult wasps while neutralizing the threat of their sting. The Bee-eater family, found primarily in Africa, Asia, and Europe, is specialized for aerial predation, catching wasps in mid-air using their sharp, elongated bills.
To avoid being stung, a Bee-eater returns to a perch and systematically beats the captured wasp against a hard surface, like a branch. This action kills the insect and presses the stinger and venom sac out of the abdomen before consumption.
Other birds, such as the Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) in North America, display a similar, highly adapted method. The tanager catches the wasp and rubs it vigorously on a branch to discharge the venom, effectively disarming its prey. The European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) takes a different approach, possessing dense, armor-like feathers around its face and eyes that shield it from stings as it raids nests for larvae.
Specialized Insect and Arachnid Hunters
Invertebrates represent a specialized group of wasp predators, employing a diverse array of ambush and parasitic strategies. The praying mantis is a classic example of a terrestrial ambush predator, using its powerful, raptorial forelegs to quickly seize and hold a wasp. Their lightning-fast strike allows them to overcome a wasp before it can effectively mount a defense.
Orb-weaver spiders routinely capture wasps in their intricate, sticky silk webs, which are designed to ensnare flying insects. Once tangled, the wasp is quickly immobilized and wrapped in silk, preventing a retaliatory sting. The robber fly, an agile aerial insect, is a highly effective mid-air predator that captures wasps in flight, using a short, sharp proboscis to inject paralyzing neurotoxins before consuming its prey.
Beyond direct predation, some insects act as parasitoids, completing their development by living on or inside a wasp host, which ultimately results in the host’s demise. Cuckoo wasps, for instance, are a type of parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside the nests of other wasp species. Once hatched, the cuckoo wasp larva consumes the host’s eggs or developing larvae. Specialized flies, such as tachinid flies, also lay their eggs on or near wasp larvae, with the emerging fly larva burrowing into and feeding on the host.