Certain wasp species attack and prey on bees. This predatory relationship is a natural part of their ecological roles within various ecosystems. Attacks can range from individual encounters to more organized assaults on bee colonies.
The Nature of Wasp-Bee Interactions
The relationship between wasps and bees is intricate. Wasps are generalist predators, meaning their diet can consist of a variety of insects. Bees, with their protein-rich bodies, can become a significant part of this diet for specific wasp species. Not all wasp species prey on bees; many have different food sources or roles within their environment.
Key Wasp Species That Prey on Bees
Several wasp species actively prey on bees. Yellow jackets, such as the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and German wasp (Vespula germanica), frequently attack honey bees, especially in late summer. They often target bees near hives or foraging on flowers.
Hornets, including the European hornet (Vespa crabro) and the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), are also significant predators of bees. Some hornet species can be particularly devastating, known to target entire bee colonies.
Another notable group is the beewolves (genus Philanthus), solitary wasps named for their bee-hunting habits. The European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) specializes in hunting Western honey bees.
Reasons for Wasp Predation
The primary motivation for wasps to attack bees is to secure a food source, particularly protein, for their developing larvae. Wasp larvae are carnivorous and require a diet rich in protein to grow, which adult wasps provide by hunting other insects. Adult wasps primarily feed on nectar and other sugary substances for energy, but they bring captured prey back to the nest for their young.
Competition for resources can also drive these interactions. As summer progresses into autumn, other food sources for wasps may become scarce, leading them to target beehives where honey and bee larvae offer abundant nutrition. Wasps may also engage in territorial defense, although predation for food remains the dominant factor in their attacks on bees.
The Attack Sequence
When a wasp attacks a bee, the sequence of events can vary by species and circumstances. Wasps often locate bees near flower patches where they are foraging or at beehive entrances. Hornets, for instance, may hover in front of a hive, waiting for bees to emerge or return. Once targeted, the wasp pounces, using its legs to grasp the bee. Some wasps, like beewolves, paralyze the bee with a sting, targeting nerve centers to immobilize their prey without killing it immediately.
After subduing the bee, the wasp may dismember it, often biting off the head and abdomen and carrying only the protein-rich thorax back to its nest. This ensures the prey is manageable for transport and consumption by the larvae. In the nest, the paralyzed or dismembered bees are placed into brood chambers, where a wasp egg is laid on or near them. The hatching wasp larva then feeds on the provided bee remains, completing the predatory cycle.