Wasps undergo complete metamorphosis, transforming through distinct stages before reaching adulthood. Understanding these developmental phases reveals what “baby wasps” look like, from their earliest forms to their emergence as winged insects.
The Wasp Life Cycle: From Egg to Adult
The wasp life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A queen wasp lays small, white, often oval-shaped eggs, resembling tiny grains of rice. These are usually laid individually within hexagonal cells inside a constructed nest.
After 5 to 8 days, the egg hatches into a larva. This stage focuses on feeding and growth. Larvae consume food provided by adult wasps, such as regurgitated insects, nectar, or other protein-rich sources, depending on the species. Over approximately two weeks, the larva undergoes several molts.
Once grown, the larva enters the pupal stage. Many larvae spin a silken cocoon to seal themselves within their cell. Inside this casing, the pupa transforms into an adult wasp. This stage can last several weeks, depending on species and temperature. Finally, a fully formed adult wasp emerges from the pupal case.
Key Features of Wasp Larvae and Pupae
Wasp larvae have physical characteristics suited for growth. They appear grub-like, with a soft, pale, or cream-colored body. Unlike adults, larvae are legless and lack wings, often resembling small worms or maggots. Their simple, cylindrical form is designed for efficient feeding and rapid growth.
Wasp larvae vary in size, from small, white, and worm-like when newly hatched to larger, plump grubs before pupation. Some larvae may appear C-shaped, while others are straighter, depending on the species and their position within nest cells.
The pupal stage has a transitional appearance, resembling a “mummified” adult wasp. The pupa is immobile and enclosed within a cocoon or sealed cell. Initially pale, its body gradually darkens as it matures, with developing features like eyes, legs, and wings becoming visible through its translucent casing.
Where to Find Young Wasps
Young wasps (eggs, larvae, and pupae) are primarily found within a wasp nest. Social wasps, like yellowjackets and paper wasps, build communal nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving them a papery texture. These nests are found in sheltered locations such as under roof eaves, in attics, garages, sheds, or sometimes underground in abandoned rodent burrows or wall cavities. Paper wasps often build umbrella-shaped nests, while hornets create large, enclosed paper nests hanging from trees or structures.
Solitary wasps also build nests for their young, with more diverse habits. Many dig ground burrows, while others construct mud cells in sheltered places like under eaves or in crevices. Some use existing cavities, such as hollow plant stems or wood tunnels. Regardless of the wasp type, eggs, larvae, and pupae are typically located inside individual cells within these nests, protected and provisioned by the adult female wasp.