7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide

We truly hope that you enjoy this article about 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide. For those who may be wondering why we would write about wasps, there is a simple reason. Entomologists estimate that roughly 100,000 species of wasp exist on earth today, and perhaps many more. Given that fact, the sheer variety of form and appearance boggles the mind. Obviously, the few do not even scratch the surface where the variety is concerned. But, we hope these 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide are enough to whet your appetite for more.

Jewel Wasp

Jewel Wasp Facts

• Leading off our list of 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide is the mesmerizing beauty known as the Jewel Wasp.
• Firstly, the descriptive term serves as the common name for an extremely unusual species of insect. However, it also goes by another name,  even more distinctive. This other name is the Emerald cockroach wasp.
• In addition, this invertebrate represents a rather solitary wasp in the family Ampilicidae. But, unlike many related species, its numbers seem to be stable. Therefore, the IUCN presently has no listing for it.
• Furthermore, this remarkable wasp possesses a unique reproductive behavior, being entomophagous parasites. The female Jewel Wasp actually has a venom with mind-controlling properties.

Jewel Wasp Physical Description

Most notably, while remarkable in some ways, the Jewel Wasp remains a physically small species. Additionally, this small wasp most commonly displays a slight degree of sexual dimorphism.

As a result, the female of the species generally attains a significantly larger size than the males. She averages roughly 0.85 in (22 mm) in length. Meanwhile, the male commonly grows slightly smaller. 

In yet another gender-based difference, the male does not possess a stinger. Yet the female does develop one, however. The reason for this is that the stinger actually plays a role in its reproductive behavior.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Ampulicidae
• Genus: Ampulex
• Species: A. compressa

Jewel Wasp Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the amazing Jewel Wasp evolved as endemic to a comparatively wide swathe of the world. This range includes Africa, southern and southeastern sections of Asia, and also the Pacific Islands.

Furthermore, the species only thrives in the tropical regions of several areas in its range. In addition, the amazing arthropod  also appears in abundant numbers during the warmest portions of the year.

However, its reproductive processes remain the thing for which it is the best known. That’s because of an incredible evolutionary development. To date, its origins remain a complete mystery.

The female stings a victim, which almost always consists of a cockroach. The special venom impairs various motor functions, rendering it helpless. Afterward, the wasp literally leads it around, as if on a leash.

Finally, the wasp leads the victim back to her burrow, where its grisly end awaits. Once there, she lays 1-2 eggs on the immobilized victim. Once the eggs hatch, the larva feed on the cockroach.

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Facts

• The colorful Black and Yellow Mud Dauber comes next among our 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide. And it truly is a sight to behold
• Most notably, the admittedly somewhat lengthy term aptly serves its purpose. That’s because it serves as the common name for a highly specific species of wasp
• At present, entomologists recognize a total of 30 related species throughout the world. While differences naturally occur, in many ways all of them have many characteristics in common
• The common name derives from the simple fact that it typically constructs its small nest out of the mud. The Black and Yellow Mud Dauber also generally nests in areas that appear to it to be relatively sheltered
• Further, these often include such man-made locations as barns, bridges, and commonly the eaves of many houses. But, as with most known varieties of wasp, this fascinating insect also lives as a highly solitary creature.
• Finally, unlike many species, its numbers appear to be sufficient and stable for the moment. As a result, the IUCN does not have a listing of this particular invertebrate.

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Physical Description

Firstly, the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber possesses an extremely elongated physical form. However, it typically attains a relatively common size, for its kind. As a result, it usually averages a length of roughly 1.2 in (30 mm).

Further, as indicated by the rather descriptive name, its coloring has a very specific pattern. This remains quite distinctive. It therefore appears as a combination of a black body, with bright yellow stripes across it.

In addition, the eyes and antennae also present a deep black in color. Yet, in stark contrast to this, the legs mainly display a brilliant yellow. But, the top, middle, and bottom portions of the legs present black as well.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Sphecidae
• Genus: Sceliphron
• Species: S. caementarium

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the gorgeous Black and Yellow Mud Dauber developed endemically in North America and Central America. However, due to international commerce, it has become established in a many parts of the world.

But, the greater part of its numbers inhabit regions in both Canada and the United States. Nevertheless, within that range the arthropod has preferred habitats. These primarily include rocky ledges, certain trees, and even man-made structures.

While it will obviously defend its nests, the wasp rarely seems overtly aggressive by nature. Stings by this insect happen rarely, and the effects of such occurrences typically stay quite mild.

Further, this species preys exclusively on a moderate variety of spiders. Several species often serve as prey, but Orb weavers remain the most commonly hunted.

These the female returns to the nest, to serve as food for her offspring, once they have hatched into larvae. Finally, the female Black and Yellow Mud Dauber commonly leaves the nest at night, to rest on nearby vegetation.

Cuckoo Wasp

Cuckoo Wasp Facts

• You might say that the third of our 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide, the amazing Cuckoo Wasp, will drive you crazy for more. Or maybe that’s just us.
• Firstly, the unusual name serves as the common name for any member of a rather extensive group of parasitic wasps. Furthermore, more than 3,000 species exist within this impressive group.
• Additionally, most of the varieties possess brilliantly colored bodies, with metallic sheens. Therefore, individuals sometimes refer to various species by another term. Metallic wasps constitutes the other name.
• Also, the common name of these amazing invertebrates has a rather unique origin. That’s because it derives from the unusual behavior displayed by the females of the genus when laying eggs.
• These the female typically lays within the nests of other species. The other insects, therefore, then act as unwitting hosts. This unusual behavior bears the name of kleptoparasitism.

Cuckoo Wasp Physical Description

Most notably, the physical appearance of the Cuckoo Wasp varies significantly. This occurs because the term collectively refers to an extensive group of species. However, certain basic physical patterns do exist.

Firstly, the great majority of the members of this group rarely exceed 0.5 in (1.2 cm) in length. The coloring also varies slightly among varieties. But, it most commonly includes metallic shades of green or blue. Yet red or pink appear occasionally.

Also, the abdomen remains quite flexible. This, therefore, allows the creature to curl into a tight ball as a means of defense. The pitted exoskeleton further provides it protection from most attackers.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Chrysididae

Cuckoo Wasp Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the various types of Cuckoo Wasp also live throughout a large range. As a result, it inhabits nearly all warm regions of the world. Yet, the majority inhabits desert regions. Some varieties, however, do prefer subtropical or Mediterranean climates.

In the state of California alone, in the United States, 166 species of this invertebrate exist. As a result of this fact, this represents the largest concentration of different species of this amazing group in North America.

Further, all known varieties live solitary lives. Also, nearly all feed as external parasites. Prey typically consists of the larvae of larger bees or wasps. Yet a handful of species also visit flowers for additional sustenance.

Asian Giant Hornet

Asian Giant Hornet Facts

• Our next inclusion in this compendium of 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide is the unforgettable Asian Giant Hornet.
• Most notably, the term includes the subspecies of Japanese giant hornet. This serves as the common name for the Vespa mandarinia. It also forms the largest known hornet on earth.
• The amazing insect also remains colloquially popular as the yak-killer hornet in some regions. But, people often mistake it for a related species that now represents an invasive species in parts of Europe.
• In addition, entomologists currently recognize three distinct subspecies. Further adding to the frequent confusion, each of these inhabits the same general region of the world as the Asian Giant Hornet.

Asian Giant Hornet Physical Description

Firstly, the incredible Asian Giant Hornet truly lives up to its common name. That’s because queens of the species attain an average body length of about 2 in (5 cm). However, workers rarely exceed 1.6 in (4 cm).

Furthermore, it achieves a wingspan that averages about 3 in (7.6 cm). Additionally, its stinger usually reaches an astounding 0.25 in (6 mm) in length.  With this, it also injects copious amounts of potent venom.

The head of the arthropod appears orange and quite wide in comparison to other hornet species. Also, the compound eyes and ocelli show dark brown. But the antennae present dark brown with orange scapes.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Vespidae
• Genus: Vespa
• Species: V. mandarinia

Asian Giant Hornet Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the breathtaking Asian Giant Hornet actually inhabits a comparatively large territory. This range consists of select portions of eastern Asia. Often, though, many people believe it exists elsewhere, due to confusing it with other species.

Further, it only inhabits certain areas. However, it seems to be most common in rural areas of Japan. There, it also has become popular as the giant sparrow bee. Even there, however, it typically appears in rural areas.

Yet, it also appears in other sections of the region. This mainly includes the Primorsky Krai region of several countries. Furthermore, these include Russia, Korea, China, Taiwan, Indochina, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka.

But, in whatever area it appears, it has a specific habitat preference. This consists of both lowland forests and low mountain foothills. In addition, unlike most similar creatures, it builds its nest underground.

Fig Wasp

Fig Wasp Facts

• Placing fifth in the sequence of our 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide is the Fig Wasp. It has an extraordinary story to tell.
• Firstly, the term Fig Wasp common name refers to any member species of a specific polyphyletic group of wasps. Furthermore, these display a rather remarkable form of complete coevolution with the fig tree.
• Most notably, the survival of each species in this group remains completely dependent upon the fig tree. This occurs because the female simply will not lay eggs in any other place.
• As part of the coevolution, the member species of this group represent the only insects that fertilize the fig tree. Therefore, the two species have become entirely dependent upon each other.

Fig Wasp Physical Description

Firstly, the fascinating Fig Wasp displays an unusual form of sexual dimorphism. But, in itself, this fact remains unsurprising. However, in this particular species, it appears in an uncommon fashion.

First of all, the females have the physical appearance common to wasps. In most species, however, the males remain completely wingless. Aside from the lack of wings, the males possess the same physical characteristics as the female.

Also, the exact coloring understandably varies somewhat between the different types. But, yellow and black predominate among them. This trait seems to also be prevalent among many related creatures.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Superfamily: Chalcidoidea

Fig Wasp Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The many varieties of Fig Wasp, estimated to be in excess of 900, inhabit a wide variety of regions. Yet the tropics contain the greatest percentage of the invertebrates. Most types of this insect prefer warmer climates.

However, although the majority evolved as tropical species, a total of two inhabit regions of North America. Further, within that broad range, these two thrive in virtually all warmer sections.

The female burrows into the syconium of a fig tree to lay her eggs. And in doing so, she deposits pollen from other fig trees, thus pollinating the tree. After laying the eggs, the female dies. Once the larvae hatch, the males begin burrowing out of the fig. These then mate with the female, exit the fig, and die soon after.

Bald-Faced Hornet

Bald-Faced Hornet Facts

• Further adding to to variety amid our selections of 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide is the often maligned Bald-Faced Hornet.
• Despite its common name, the fierce-looking invertebrate does not actually rank as a true hornet. This surprising fact only proves once again that names can be deceiving.
• This amazing eusocial insect actually constitutes a specific species of the yellow jacket. Furthermore, it remains well known for its construction of large conical nests, built from paper-like materials.
• The colonies of this rather impressive invertebrate also sometimes contain as many as 700 workers. This counts as the largest number of workers of any species within its genus.
• The insect builds its nests typically in trees, or under the roofs of buildings. Further, the insect will aggressively defend the nest, repeatedly stinging possible predators.
• Finally, its distinctive name understandably derives from the fascinating markings on its face. These, along with its overall coloring, distinguishes it from others in its genus.

Bald-Faced Hornet Physical Description

First of all, the first description of the visually remarkable Bald-Faced Hornet occurred in 1763. First, the majority of related species appear black and yellow. Yet, this variety typically appears black and white in color. The majority of its white coloring also appears on the face.

Further, this species also typically attains a larger size than other yellowjacket varieties. However, it nonetheless remains somewhat small. Due to this trait, the adult attains an average length of about 0.75 in (19 mm). 

Furthermore, workers remain covered in numerous small hairs. Meanwhile, however, the body of the queen remains hairless. In addition, the queen typically attains a much larger size than the rest of the colony.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Vespidae
• Genus: Dolichovespula
• Species: D. maculata

Bald-Faced Hornet Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The aggressive yet lovely Bald-Faced Hornet inhabits areas throughout North America, including southern Canada. Yet it seems most prevalent in the southeastern sections of the United States.

Despite its aggressive nature, this species prefers to build its nests in forested regions. Yet it will when necessary, establish colonies near urban areas, even sometimes on the sides of inhabited structures.

This fascinating creature also has an omnivorous diet. While humans often fear it, the Bald-Faced Hornet actually serves a beneficial purpose. It consumes large numbers of flies, caterpillars, and spiders.

The insect also possesses a unique defense mechanism, in addition to its painful sting. It also has the ability to squirt venom from its stinger into the eyes of small predators invading the nest.

Bonehouse Wasp

Bonehouse Wasp Facts

• Last, but absolutely not least, out of our selection of 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide is the astounding Bonehouse Wasp.
• First of all, the term serves as the common name given to the Deuteragenia ossarium. This interesting insect constitutes a recently discovered, and fascinating, new species of wasp.
• The unique common name derives from an extraordinary practice, never before seen. Rather understandably, it greatly surprised the scientist who initially made the discovery.
• In fact, its quite unusual behavioral patterns earned it a unique distinction. This occurred after its discovery in Asia, in 2015. That’s because at that time, the International Institute for Species Exploration gave it a special acknowledgement.
• This happened due to the astonishing actions of the invertebrate. As a result of them, the Institute named it to the Top 10 New Species list. It happened subsequent to its discovery in 2014.

Bonehouse Wasp Physical Description

Most notably, the remarkable Bonehouse Wasp represents a fairly small variety of wasp. That is, at least when averaging its size. This holds true because individuals vary greatly in terms of size. Further, the reason for this remains unknown.

But, the statement regarding the average size nonetheless holds true. While observed individuals have had widely different sizes,  an average has been calculated. As a result, the fascinating new species averages roughly 0.5 in (1.25 cm) in length. 

But, regardless of size, the interesting new arthropod displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism. As a result, the body of both genders primarily shows a combination of blue and black colors.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Pompilidae
• Genus: Deuteragenia
• Species: D. ossarium

Bonehouse Wasp Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

To date, the Bonehouse Wasp only appears to dwell in the Gutianshan National Nature Reserve. This is in the southeast portion of China. Studies have yet to reveal it in any of the surrounding regions.

But, one particularly puzzling behavior pattern of the insect constitutes a previously unseen one. After constructing her nest, the female of this species usually fills the surrounding tunnels with the bodies of dead ants.

Yet, the precise reason for this activity still remains undetermined. However, theories abound among various researchers. The current leading theory puts forth the idea that the chemical odor of the decomposition disguises the nest from potential predators.

As with most species of wasp, it commonly construct its nests beneath the loose soil. An individual will either construct its own or make use of abandoned structures for its own purposes.

The Bonehouse Wasp also displays yet another highly disturbing behavior pattern. After laying her numerous eggs and then filling the tunnels with the bodies of dead ants, she seeks out a spider. After paralyzing the hapless victim with her potent sting, she brings it back to the nest.

We hope that you enjoyed this article about 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide. Nature has blessed this world with innumerable forms of life. While perhaps not all will be considered as beautiful or wonderful by everyone, such adjectives remain unimportant. All that really matters is that all forms of life are worthy of respect and consideration. Let us do all that we can to protect and preserve these 7 Wondrous Wasps Worldwide, and all species in the world, for future generations.

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