Much-hated insects are voracious predators of pests, produce powerful antibiotics and pollinate plants

For those who have asked what the point of wasps is, there is now a comprehensive answer. They are voracious predators of pest insects, produce powerful antibiotics in their venom, pollinate plants and even make a nutritious snack.

The benefits to humans of the much-hated insects are revealed in the first major scientific review of the ecosystem services they provide. It focused on the 33,000 known species of hunting wasps, which carry stings and live in every corner of the world.

Continue reading…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

I write ‘women’s commercial fiction’ –why is my work still seen as inferior to men’s? | Emma Hughes

A recent roundup of the ‘best books of 2021’ had every possible…

US House passes gun control bill but it faces defeat in Senate

Sweeping legislation would raise age limit for buying a semiautomatic rifle and…

Casa Susanna review – this portrait of queer life in an era of illegality is incredibly moving

This beautiful documentary tells the tale of a 1960s resort that offered…

Viva la vulva: why we need to talk about women’s genitalia

Ignorance about the basic biology of vulvas is still shockingly high –…