The largest representative of the order Hymenoptera is a large wasp called a hornet. Its size reaches 5.5 cm in length, and the part of the head behind the eyes is much larger than that of the other brothers. This individual is difficult to confuse with others due to the variegated and bright coloration: the head is yellow; chest part - black; abdomen - yellow with black spots; and the wings are yellowish-brown. In a calm state, the insect peacefully folds its wings along the entire back and looks quite peacefully. And you will never think that in front of you is a real predator.
Nesting site
Like the rest of this order, the hornet prefers to live in forest plantations and empty hollows. The large wasp, like its brethren, builds “paper nests” for itself, but it does not use the same material for building its shelter as other individuals of this species. The basis for her housing are pieces of rotten wood and twigs of young birches. She also likes to get a temporary settlement in attic buildings in summer cottages and in uncomfortable houses. In the tropics, lives in "possessions" suspended from trees.
What the big wasp eats
Hornet is a terrible sweet tooth and therefore prefersinclude in your diet substances saturated with sucrose, namely: fruits, honeydew, berries, flower nectar, tree sap. He also does not deny himself more dense food, eating gadflies and horseflies. And yet, the honey bee remains his favorite delicious dessert. And to feed its larvae, the big wasp catches flies, bees, sometimes even its own kind.
Danger to life
The hornet is much rarer than its counterparts. But the frequent appearance of this uninvited guest in cottages and village houses became obvious. Residents have little idea that a large wasp is dangerous not only for he alth, but sometimes even for life. There is a proven technology for the destruction of wasp nests, which has been used for a very long time, albeit rarely. But it is dangerous to deal directly with this predator. The flying specimen is very aggressive and uses its pheromones (odorous substances) to warn of impending danger.
Bite symptoms
If you have killed a hornet, do not leave the corpse where it is, because the whole swarm will flock to its smell, which is fraught with serious consequences. The bites of this insect are very painful, they are highly toxic, and the spread of poison throughout the body occurs instantly. If you were stung by a wasp of this kind, then swelling will instantly appear on the affected area, an inflammatory process will begin, accompanied by acute pain. Common symptoms: headache, palpitations, severe dizziness, shortness of breath. There are cases of anaphylactic shock withlethal outcome. So, dear summer residents, do not take risks - if you find a nest of hornets in your area, go away and immediately call specialists.
The biggest o
sa
A team of scientists worked in the southeast of Sulawesi during the 2011 summer expedition. They discovered the largest wasp, which was named Dalara garuda in honor of the national symbol of Indonesia - the mythical chimera. Males of this species of flying individuals reach 7 cm in length and have huge jaws, which, when closed, can bend around the whole head of a bee. Nature has rewarded them with such "cutters" for protection from opponents, for easy mating with females, and of course, for chewing food. If the insect senses danger, it will immediately attack its prey first, leaving deep bites on the body.
