Wasps - Biology Of Wasps, Important Groups Of North American Wasps

Wasps are slim-waisted, stinging insects in the order Hymenoptera. There are two main groups of wasps: the solitary wasps are relatively small parasites of other arthropods, while the social wasps are larger and live in colonies. Some other groups of tinier hymenopterans are also commonly known as wasps.

Wasps are familiar insects to most people, and they are good insects to know about because wasps can deliver a very painful sting when they feel threatened or are agitated. It is less well-known that many of the tinier species of wasps provide a very valuable service to humans because these parasites and predators can be quite effective at reducing populations of injurious species of insects.