What is the difference between a wasp and a bee: a quick guide for dummies

What distinguishes a wasp from a bee, most people learned back in school. This “secret” was revealed to some by acquaintances, friends or relatives. At the same time, there are people who are still quite poorly versed in this matter. Interest in how a wasp differs from a bee is sharply aroused if one of these insects stings a person. Let’s finally finally figure out which of these “flyers” produces delicious honey, and who behaves like a military aggressor, constantly attacking and causing pain.

what is the difference between a wasp and a bee

Appearance

The first thing that distinguishes a wasp from a bee is its appearance. In flight, of course, it ’s quite difficult to look at the appearance of the flyer, but if you stand still for a minute and wait until the insect lands to rest, it will not be so difficult to determine its type. Pay attention to a photo of a bee and a wasp.

photo bees and wasps
The latter belongs to the Squamous bellied suborder, its body is elongated, has a noticeable and bright color, does not contain villi, i.e. it is smooth. In the chest area, it seems to be pulled by a corset, from where the phrase “wasp waist”, known to many, came from. A bee looks a little different. According to the classification, it belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which, in turn, belongs to the superfamily Apoida. Her body has a rounded shape and is covered on top with small villi. The color of the bee is not as bright as the wasp. And if you look closely, then on the body you can see yellow-black stripes.

Bite

The second difference between a wasp and a bee is in the peculiarities of using a sting: bees can use it only once in a lifetime, in the most extreme case. After the bite of this insect, its sting remains in the body of the victim, and the bee perishes. Another thing is a wasp that never parted with its weapons and can attack several times in a row. All this affects the motivation of the bite, which will not hurt to learn more. A bee stings only when it feels a real threat and danger to its life or hive. The wasp has a bothersome and aggressive character and can attack for the most trifling reason.

difference between wasp and bee

Type of life

The third difference between these flyers is that thanks to bees, we always have the opportunity to enjoy the most delicious, healthy and most beautiful flower nectar product. Which of us does not like honey? Probably, such people do not exist at all. In addition, do not forget about wax and propolis, which are the raw materials for the manufacture of various medicines. Unlike the bee toiler, the wasp lazer does nothing useful for humans. This insect lives in a hive built of various waste and debris, and eats whatever it gets. Wasps are very unpretentious in food and consume everything: nectar, and jam, forgotten on the table, and watermelon ... If there is any gnawing midge on the road, it will also be used. In contrast, a bee is a true vegan, and this is another sign that helps determine how a wasp differs from a bee.

We hope now that from now on it will not be so difficult to figure out who exactly flies in front of you. In any case, it is better not to disturb the bees and wasps, as their bites can bring not only pain, but also serious consequences, especially when there is an allergy.


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