# Wasp (*Agathis (wasp)*)

Wasps are long, slender insects that can be found buzzing around. Some help pollinate, while others hunt for food.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate
- **Habitat:** Gardens and forests
- **Also known as:** Yellow Jacket

![Wasp](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771438788/objects/5465.jpg)

## Appearance

The Wasp typically has a slender body with a distinct narrow waist, often sporting bright yellow and black stripes. Its smooth, less hairy body and pointed abdomen help distinguish it from fuzzy bees.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hymenoptera
- **Family:** Braconidae
- **Genus:** Agathis

## Interesting facts

- Many adult wasps sip nectar, but their babies only eat meat!
- Some tiny wasps are smaller than the eye of a needle!
- There are over 100,000 different kinds of wasps in the world!
- Wasps communicate with each other using special chemical smells!

## Special abilities

- **Precision Sting:** Wasp can deliver a painful sting because of a specialized needle-like ovipositor that helps them defend or paralyze prey.
- **Master Architects:** Wasp can build intricate nests from chewed wood pulp or mud, creating safe homes for their colonies or offspring.
- **Pest Patrol:** Wasp can control insect populations by hunting other arthropods that helps keep gardens and crops healthy.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 10-80 mm
- **Size:** 5-40 mm
- **Lifespan:** 30-365 days
- **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6
- **Colony Size:** 1-10000

## Diet & Feeding

Adult wasps love sugary treats like nectar, while their growing larvae feast on insects or spiders.

- **Age differences:** Yes, adults primarily consume carbohydrates, while larvae require protein from prey captured by adults.
- **Primary Foods:** nectar, fruit juice, caterpillars, spiders, flies
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Parasitizes:** Tobacco Hornworm (*Manduca sexta*) — Many wasp larvae develop inside hornworm caterpillars.
- **Pollinates:** Wild Carrot (*Daucus carota*) — Adult wasps feed on nectar and spread pollen between flowers.
- **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Some birds frequently prey on adult wasps.
- **Hunts:** Cabbage White Butterfly (*Pieris rapae*) — Wasps often capture caterpillars to feed their young.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Wasp?

Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Wasp's wingspan?

10-80 mm

### How big is Wasp?

5-40 mm

### How long does Wasp live?

30-365 days

### How fast can Wasp fly?

20 km/h

### What does Wasp eat?

Adult wasps love sugary treats like nectar, while their growing larvae feast on insects or spiders.

### Where is Wasp usually found?

Gardens and forests

### How does Wasp hunt?

Foraging

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Wasp: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wasp)