Some wasp species prey on bees, a natural predator-prey interaction within various ecosystems. This dynamic influences the populations and behaviors of both wasps and bees. The extent of predation depends on the specific wasp species and environmental conditions.
Wasp Species That Hunt Bees
Several wasp species are known for their predatory behavior towards bees. European hornets (Vespa crabro), for instance, are generalist predators that include honey bees in their diet, often targeting them to provide protein for their growing larvae. These hornets can pose a concern for beekeepers, particularly when their nests are located near apiaries.
Yellow jackets, which belong to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula, also actively hunt bees. They pursue bees to feed their developing young, especially during late summer when their colonies are at peak size and other food sources may become scarce. Yellow jackets are opportunistic hunters and will also scavenge near bee hives for resources.
Beewolves, part of the genus Philanthus, are solitary wasps specifically named for their bee-hunting habits. The European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) is known for specializing in Western honey bees. Female beewolves paralyze bees to stock their underground nests, providing a fresh food source for their offspring.
Beyond these more commonly known predators, some parasitic wasps also target bees. Chalcid wasps, such as those in the genus Monodontomerus, will lay their eggs on or within bee larvae inside their cocoons. Once hatched, the parasitic wasp larvae consume the bee larvae, impacting wild bee populations.
How Wasps Hunt Bees
The hunting strategies employed by wasps vary depending on the species. Hornets, for example, often patrol and “hawk” at the entrances of bee hives, capturing individual bees as they leave or return. They may then dismember the captured bee, biting off its head and taking the protein-rich body back to their nest to feed their young.
Yellow jackets are active hunters that subdue bees using their mandibles and sting. They are known to raid bee hives, preying on adult bees, honey, and even bee larvae. The captured prey is often masticated, or chewed, into a digestible form before being fed to the wasp larvae.
Female beewolves locate their bee prey, frequently on flowers, where bees are busy foraging. The wasp then delivers a precise sting to specific areas of the bee’s body, such as between its legs or on the underside of its thorax, to induce paralysis. This immobilization ensures the bee remains fresh as it is carried back to the beewolf’s underground burrow.
Upon reaching the nest, the paralyzed bee is placed into a brood cell, and a wasp egg is laid on it. The wasp larva then feeds on the immobilized bee once it hatches. This method of paralyzing prey rather than killing it outright is a common strategy among many predatory wasps to preserve the food source for their developing young.
The Role of Wasp Predation in Nature
Wasp predation on bees is a natural component of ecological food webs, contributing to the balance of insect populations. Wasps serve as predators, helping regulate insect numbers, including agricultural pests.
The impact of wasp predation can be noticeable on honey bee colonies, especially during late summer and autumn. At this time, wasp colonies reach their peak size, and their demand for protein to feed larvae increases, while natural nectar and pollen sources may become scarcer. This can lead to increased pressure on bee populations, potentially stressing colonies and affecting their overall health.
Invasive species, such as the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), demonstrate a more severe impact on honey bees and other wild pollinators. These hornets are highly effective predators, and their presence can lead to significant reductions in bee numbers and even colony collapse in affected regions. Their broad diet includes a diversity of pollinators, raising concerns for biodiversity.
Social wasps like hornets and yellow jackets provision communal nests with captured prey, while solitary wasps such as beewolves hunt individual bees for their larval cells. Despite preying on bees, many wasps also contribute positively to ecosystems by controlling pest insects and acting as minor pollinators.