Vespula germanica (European wasp)

European wasps are aggressive hunters of insects and spiders, which they feed to their larvae. The adults themselves eat pollen, nectar, other carbohydrates and secretions produced by their young. This wasp out-competes native species for food resources as well as virtually depleting an area of its  insect and spider fauna. Vespula germanica also has a large negative impact on human receation activities. Nests should be reported.

"A typical European wasp nest is started in the spring by a single queen emerging from hibernation. She raises the first worker wasps herself, which then help her raise more workers, and so the nest grows through the summer. Come the autumn most workers die out while the newly born queens search for a warm, dark place to hibernate." (Dr Reeson, Adelaide University)

Other online resources:

https://museumvictoria.com.au/wasps/

https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/science/plants-animals-fungi/animals/invertebrates/invasive-invertebrates/wasps

 

Vespula germanica is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands  |  Albury, Wodonga  |  South Coast  |  Gippsland  |  Barwon South West  |  Tasmania

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