The difference between ants and wasps (detailed introduction)

Ants and wasps are two common social bees. They have some differences in appearance, habits and lifestyles. Here is a detailed introduction to ants and wasps:

Apis mellifera: Appearance: Most of the Apis mellifera's body is covered with yellow or brown down, with black markings. Their body is divided into three parts: head, thorax and abdomen. Wasps have two pairs of wings, as well as antennae and needle-like stingers. Habits: Bees are social bees and live in a highly organized colony. A bee colony consists of a queen bee, worker bees and drone bees. Ant bees are multifunctional worker bees. Depending on their age and tasks, worker bees will play different roles, such as cleaners, nurse bees, honey-makers, and guard bees. They communicate and coordinate their activities through dance and message passing with other worker bees. Bees collect pollen and nectar from flowers and convert them into honey and beeswax.

Distribution: The bee is one of the most common bee species worldwide. They are artificially introduced to various areas for beekeeping and pollination services. Bees play an important role in agriculture and ecosystems.

Wasp (Vespa spp.): Appearance: The body of a wasp is usually larger than that of an ant, and has yellow and black stripes. They have well-developed wings and strong jaws. There is no down on their bodies, but their surfaces are smooth. A wasp has a spike on its tail.

Habits: Wasps are also social insects, generally building nests and forming a hierarchical colony. A wasp colony has a queen bee and multiple worker bees, as well as drones. They feed on insects, bees, and other sweet foods, capturing insects to feed the larvae of the colony. Wasps are aggressive when hunting prey, and if they feel threatened, they will use their stingers to defend themselves, which releases bee venom.

Distribution: Wasps are widely distributed around the world, mainly living in forests, grasslands, gardens and other environments. Common wasp species include hornets, red bees, and Asian giant hornets (killer bees).

To sum up, there are some differences in appearance, habits and lifestyle between ants and wasps. Bees are yellow or brown social bees that live in highly organized colonies and are mainly responsible for bee breeding and pollination services. Wasps are typically larger, have yellow and black stripes, live in hierarchical colonies, and feed on insects. Wasps are aggressive and use their stingers for defense.

animal tags： ant wasp