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 to the ACT hotline (see link below). Recent records for the wasp have appeared from New Chums Road and Nursery Swamp - we would like to know just how widespread it is in Namadgi - so please report any sightings from there.
"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:
http://www.tccs.act.gov.au/city-living/wildlife/pest-insects/wasps
https://museumvictoria.com.au/wasps/
Vespula germanica is listed in the following regions:
Canberra & Southern Tablelands | Southern Highlands | Albury, Wodonga | South Coast | Gippsland | South Australia
No sightings currently exist.
Species information
- Vespula germanica Scientific name
- European wasp Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Exotic
- Noxious or High Risk Weed or Pest
- Up to 1230.8m Recorded at altitude
- Machine learning
- External link More information
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