Wasps frequently prey on honey bees, posing challenges for bee colonies. Understanding why and how these attacks occur provides insight into the dynamics between these two insect groups.
Wasps as Honey Bee Predators
Wasps target honey bees primarily to obtain protein for their developing larvae. Adult wasps typically feed on sugary substances, such as nectar, but their young require a protein-rich diet to grow. Honey bees, with their abundant protein (larvae) and carbohydrate (honey) resources, represent a valuable food source for predatory wasps.
Wasps hunt honey bees by ambushing individual foragers near flowers or hive entrances, seizing bees as they leave or return. Once captured, a wasp dismembers the bee, taking the protein-rich thorax back to its nest for its offspring.
Wasps can also invade honey bee hives directly, especially if the colony is weak. They may attempt to breach the hive entrance, overcoming guard bees to access honey, pollen, and bee brood. This predatory behavior intensifies during late summer and autumn, when wasp populations are at their peak and natural food sources may become scarce.
Identifying Wasp Threats
Several wasp species are known predators of honey bees. Yellow jackets, belonging to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula, are common and aggressive predators of honey bees. These wasps are typically about half an inch long, featuring distinct black and yellow or white markings, a narrow waist, and a smoother body compared to the hairier honey bee.
European hornets (Vespa crabro) also prey on honey bees and are noticeably larger, up to one inch long. They are identifiable by their reddish-brown and yellow heads, reddish-brown and black thoraxes, and black and yellow abdomens. Hornets pick off individual bees or launch mass attacks on colonies.
Paper wasps, such as the European paper wasp, are also known to attack honey bee foragers. These wasps often have yellow antennae and fly with their legs dangling, distinguishing them from yellow jackets. Their presence near apiaries, particularly in late season, signals a potential threat to bee colonies.
Consequences for Bee Colonies
Wasp predation impacts honey bee colonies, ranging from minor disturbances to severe losses. When wasp populations are high, particularly in late summer and autumn, predation pressure on bee colonies increases. This period often coincides with a decline in available nectar and pollen, making colonies more vulnerable.
Persistent wasp attacks can lead to reduced honey production, as bees may spend more time defending the hive than foraging. This increased defensive activity places significant stress on the colony. In severe cases, especially for smaller or weaker colonies, sustained predation can lead to a reduction in bee numbers, brood loss, and ultimately, colony collapse.
Wasps can consume honey bee larvae, eggs, and pupae, and also steal honey and pollen reserves. If a hive is overwhelmed, honey bees may abandon the colony in search of a safer location. Managing wasp activity is a consideration for maintaining the health and productivity of honey bee populations.