vespa

Vespa is the Italian word for a wasp. In contemporary usage, the name most often refers to the Vespa line of motor scooters manufactured by Piaggio & C. SpA, first introduced in 1946. The original design, developed after World War II by Corradino D'Ascanio, aimed to provide affordable personal transport and mobility in urban areas. The scooters are distinguished by a steel unibody that forms the chassis and a protective leg shield, traits that contributed to their recognizable look and practicality.

Since its introduction, Vespa has become a global cultural icon of mobility and design. Early models used two-stroke engines, with later generations incorporating four-stroke engines and modern features such as electric start and fuel injection. Core model families include the Primavera and GTS lines, as well as the PX and Sprint series, produced and sold in numerous markets worldwide. Production has included collaborations and licensing across other manufacturers, and Piaggio continues to release new generations while preserving the classic silhouette.

Vespa is also a genus of hornets within the family Vespidae. Hornets of this genus are large, eusocial wasps that form colonies with queens, workers, and drones. They occur primarily in Asia and parts of Europe and Africa, and some species have become invasive in other regions (notably Vespa velutina in Europe). Hornets build paper nests in trees or structures, prey on other insects, and can deliver multiple stings per attack.

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