vespids

Vespids are a diverse group of wasps in the family Vespidae, belonging to the order Hymenoptera. The family includes both social and solitary species and contains several thousand described species found in a wide range of habitats across most regions of the world.

Many vespids are distinguished by their wasp-like bodies, with a narrow petiole and two pairs of wings. They exhibit a range of life histories from highly social colonies to solitary nesting. A common trait among many species is the production of nests from a papery pulp created by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva. Nest shapes vary, from open, umbrella-like paper nests to enclosed, football-shaped structures.

Ecology and behavior vary by lineage. Adults typically feed on nectar, while larvae are provisioned with protein-rich prey such as caterpillars, flies, or other insects. This predatory behavior makes many ves pids important biological control agents in ecosystems and agricultural settings. Social species form colonies with a reproductive queen and non-reproductive workers; in temperate regions, colonies are often annual, with new queens and males produced late in the season and the colony dying in winter while the queens survive to found new nests in spring. Solitary potter wasps and related groups construct individual nests and provision each with a single generation of offspring.

Distribution and impact: ves pids are found worldwide, excluding only most polar regions. They contribute to pest management and pollination to a limited extent, though their nectar-feeding adults can aid flower visitation. Human encounters can result in stinging, especially when nests are disturbed; some species are more irritable than others, but defensive behavior largely depends on context and nest status.