What the uterus of a wasp looks like: lifestyle and main functions, danger to humans

Wasps are social insects that form colonies that live according to natural laws. Almost all wasps are sterile, the uterus is responsible for reproduction, lays eggs, from which larvae emerge, and young insects emerge from them. Consider how the uterus of a wasp looks outwardly, how to distinguish it from others. What functions does it perform, what lifestyle does it lead, does it pose a danger to humans.

What does a wasp queen look like

In terms of body structure and appearance, it does not differ from other representatives of the species. The coloration and alternation of stripes are also the same and are characteristic of insects.You can distinguish the uterus from ordinary individuals by size, it is larger than the rest of the family. According to the properties of the uterus, it differs in that it is capable of fertilization and can reproduce offspring.

Lifestyle, basic functions

The uterus of the wasp performs special functions - it reproduces new generations, it is responsible for the formation of offspring. By autumn, it loses its activity, from the last eggs laid, females appear, which will replace the uterus in the next season. A little earlier, males also appear, after fertilization, females die. Over the next summer, females will lay eggs, which will form a whole family of wasps.

Females leave their hive in autumn, find a secluded place where you can hide from the cold. They choose cracks in wooden houses, in the bark of trees. Sleeping wasps can be found in hollows, minks. Insects hide until spring, and come out in spring.

As the weather gets warmer, the wasps fly out into the air and start looking for a safe place to set up a hive. In the field and forest, insects build a dwelling in tree branches and bushes. If insects choose a place to live near human habitation, hives can often be seen in attics, under awnings, that is, where they will be protected from wind and rain.

After choosing a place, the wasp begins to build a nest from the remains of old wood and bark. After chewing woody pieces, a paper pulp is obtained, from which the uterus forms several cells. They lay eggs in them. When larvae emerge from them, the wasp looks for food for them and at the same time continues to build the nest. When adult insects emerge from the larvae, they will join the construction. The queen will lay eggs, from which new individuals will begin to appear.

When the 2nd half of summer comes, males and females appear, the old queen completes the cycle and dies. New females leave for the winter, and everything repeats.

Danger to humans

Like normal wasps, the uterus has a sting that can pierce the skin of a victim or attacker. The sting does not remain in the body, so the insect can bite several times. A swelling, redness, itching appear at the site of the bite - signs of an allergic reaction. Its severity depends on the individual characteristics of the human body, if the reaction is strong, there can be serious consequences.

Wasps are not aggressive towards humans and do not attack first. But they will boldly attack if they consider that the hive is in danger. At the same time, they usually attack one by one, and not a “collective”. It is impossible to touch the nest while it is inhabited. It can be removed only in the fall, when all the insects have flown away. The next generation does not settle in the old hive, but can build a new dwelling nearby.

The uterus of wasps performs the most important function in the life of the wasp family.Starts building a new nest, lays eggs throughout the season. The number of wasp families depends on their number. The queen does not forget to take care of the next generation, producing males and females that can successfully breed, unlike ordinary individuals.

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