Wasps, common insects, often spark curiosity regarding their stinging behavior. Many wonder what happens after a wasp delivers a sting. Unlike some other stinging insects, wasps possess a unique anatomical feature allowing them to survive and continue activities post-sting.
The Wasp’s Stinging Apparatus
The stinging apparatus of a female wasp is a specialized structure located at the tip of its abdomen. This needle-like organ is a modified ovipositor, an egg-laying tube that has evolved to deliver venom instead of eggs.
The stinger is composed of a central stylet and two barbed lancets, which slide against each other to penetrate the target’s skin. These components form a hollow channel through which venom, produced by associated venom glands, is injected. The venom, a complex mix of proteins and enzymes, causes pain, inflammation, and other physiological effects in the victim. The stinger’s structure, particularly its barbs, plays a significant role in the wasp’s ability to use it repeatedly.
Why Wasps Survive Their Stings
A crucial difference between wasps and honey bees lies in the design of their stingers, which dictates their survival after stinging. A honey bee’s stinger is barbed, similar to a fishhook. When a honey bee stings a mammal, these barbs embed deeply into the elastic skin. As the bee attempts to pull away, its stinger, venom sac, and sometimes part of its digestive tract are torn from its body, leading to the bee’s death shortly after. This makes honey bee stinging a self-sacrificing act, primarily for colony defense.
In contrast, a wasp’s stinger is typically smooth, or has very small barbs that do not readily catch in skin. This smooth structure allows the wasp to easily retract its stinger from the victim’s flesh without causing self-injury. Because the stinger remains intact and attached to the wasp’s body, the wasp can fly away unharmed after delivering venom. This anatomical distinction means that wasps do not die as a direct consequence of stinging.
The venom sac of a wasp is also not directly connected to its stinger in a way that would cause disembowelment upon stinging. This allows the wasp to retain its internal organs and continue to function normally. The ability to withdraw the stinger enables wasps to inject venom and then pull out the stinger without injury, meaning they can sting multiple times.
Wasp Actions After Stinging
After delivering a sting, a wasp typically disengages from the target and flies away. The smooth nature of its stinger allows for this quick withdrawal. Unlike honey bees, wasps do not leave their stinging apparatus behind. The ability to retract its stinger means a wasp is capable of stinging multiple times.
If it perceives a continued threat or is further provoked, it can deliver additional stings. Wasps primarily sting in self-defense, especially when they feel threatened or when their nest is disturbed. When a wasp stings, it may also release alarm pheromones, which can alert other wasps in the vicinity and prompt them to join in the defense. This can lead to multiple stings from several wasps if a nest is agitated.