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We are often fascinated by the diversity of species that surrounds us or that we more commonly see in our environment. However, nature goes much further and is home to numerous species that, although less abundant or rare in our location, do exist. In addition, due to the constant movement of both human beings and goods between countries, there are more and more cases of species that did not inhabit certain areas and that have ended up being present in those areas.
In this article that we present to you from Green Ecologist, we focus on a specific case and that surely is the most curious for those people who know little or nothing about these wasps. Here we tell you how is the potter wasp, its nest and its sting, among other details. If you are curious, we encourage you to continue reading!
What does a potter wasp look like
Potter wasps are a subfamily of wasps known as eumeninosEumeninae). There are several types of potter waspsIn fact, it is a large and cosmopolitan group that encompasses about 200 genres. Many of them are invasive species of Asian origin that have spread rapidly through territories that previously did not inhabit in a few years. Its geographical dispersion has been highly influenced by humans, with its common distribution being India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, as well as the Himalayas and Karakorum. However, so far, they do not represent a serious threat since no considered effects of this insect have been detected on the new colonized ecosystems or their biodiversity.
As for some of the characteristics of the potter wasp,
- Its size is rather large and can reach about 17 mm.
- It has a black colored body, stained with yellow stripes on the initial and final part of the thorax, and on the abdomen.
- They are also characterized by being solitary wasps, unlike the social behavior that other families of wasps usually present.
- Regarding how long a potter wasp lives, as adults, males have a longevity only three or four weeks, while females can reach two or three months.
- The reproduction of the potter wasp is based on laying eggs. Females spend their entire lives building nests to lay their eggs. The potter wasp eggs are attached by the female to the roof of the nest through a filament that they secrete. When the nest is finished, it hunts spiders and stuns them with its venom. Then he introduces them to the nest and proceeds with the laying of eggs and then plugs the nest with mud. In this way, when the larva is born it eats the spiders that its mother has previously left it. It may also be that prey capture begins once the egg is laid. In any case, the captured prey will be food for the young during the fall and winter. So, after turning into a chrysalis, it turns into a wasp and then it already has the ability to break out of the nest and leave it.
What is the nest of the potter wasp like
The wasp nests potters are quite peculiar. Most of them build Roman amphora-shaped nests, hence the common name of potter wasp, made by molding clay and combined with its own sage that it uses as cement. Through the use of its legs, the wasp checks that the wall has a uniform thickness. Finally, they close the construction with a narrow mouth like a lip. They are usually light or dark brown in color and are 25 mm long. Their preferred sites to build these nests with shady and sheltered areas. And is that these wasps are one of the few insects that do mud nests.
There are also other wasps that use cavities in the ground or take advantage of nests that have been abandoned by other wasps or other similar insects. In addition, they can use parts of the plants to make their nests or to turn them directly into them.
What is the sting of the potter wasp like
Potter wasp stings are usually mild, compared to other wasps, such as the Asian hornet, which you can learn everything about at this link. Instead of causing death to their prey, the inoculated poison paralyzes them. As for humans, the potter wasp does not have a powerful effect: it induces inflammation in the area where it has bitten and causes some pain, similar to that produced by the sting of the common wasp.
If they keep their distance and are not disturbed, there should be no danger of being stung. However, the risk of being stung is caused by the approach to their territory, so that their preference for building nests near houses can cause accidental situations.
What if you get bitten by a potter wasp
For Relieve the sting of the potter wasp, enough with put ice on the area of the bite or cold towels to reduce swelling and relieve pain. In the event that the stinger has fully entered the skin and has remained, it is recommended to proceed with its removal as soon as possible to avoid further injury and infections.
However, in case of being allergic to wasp stings, the situation can be significantly complicated, and it is then necessary to use antihistamines and visit a doctor in case the allergic reaction could lead to anaphylactic shock.
If you liked this information, we recommend you read this other post about the Difference between bee, wasp and bumblebee.
If you want to read more articles similar to Potter wasp: what is it like, nest and sting, we recommend that you enter our Wild Animals category.
