Bees & Wasps: Both Social, And Solitary

Are there any more vivid memories of childhood than those of the berry picking and swimming expeditions that were turned into swift, ragged retreats by hornets, bumble-bees and yellow-jackets? These "ladies"-for only the females have stings-have driven their bayonets home into many a tan-coated calf, and turned vacation days into days of pain and anger. And it is little wonder that the recipients of their attention have seldom ventured, either as children or adults, to pursue the interesting study of the why and wherefore of their stinging ways, but rather to avoid them most religiously. The loss has not been entirely to the attacking contingents, for the social stinging Hymenoptera, as are other creatures endowed with venomous

Read more ...