Ants, Bees, & Wasps (Order Hymenoptera)
The order Hymenoptera includes many of the most common insects - ants, bees, and wasps. This is the third largest insect order with just over 100,000 species. These articles cover the behaviors and characteristics of this order, including profiles of Hymenoptera species and families.
How Wasps Build Wasp Nests
Paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets all make paper nests, though the size, shape, and location of their nests differ. Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped wasp nests suspended underneath eaves and overhangs. Hornets construct large, football-shaped nests. Yellowjackets make their nests underground. In general, though, the process of constructing all wasp nests is the same.Wasps, Yellowjackets, and Hornets
The social wasps of the family Vespidae include paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets, all of which will defend their homes vigorously should you disturb them. Worse yet, they have a tendency to build their homes in the places we like to spend our time, so there's a good chance you'll encounter them.A Brief Introduction to All Kinds of Ants
Ants may be the most successful insects on Earth. They've evolved into sophisticated social insects that fill all kinds of unique niches. From thief ants that rob from other colonies to weaver ants that sew homes in the treetops, ants are a diverse insect group. This article will introduce you to all kinds of ants.
10 Fascinating Facts About Ants
The complex, cooperative societies of ants enable them to survive and thrive in conditions that would challenge the individual. Here are 10 fascinating facts about ants that just might convince you they're superior to us.How Can Ants Lift Objects 50 Times Their Body Weight?
Just what makes that little old ant think he can move that rubber tree plant? Everyone knows an ant can't move a rubber tree plant. Or can it?10 Tips to Avoid Bee Stings
Being stung by a bee or wasp is never fun, and for people with bee venom allergies, it can be life-threatening. In most cases, bee stings are entirely avoidable - just don't attract them or put the bees on the defensive. Here's 10 tips to help you avoid bee stings.Insect Sting Similes - Describe the Most Painful Insect Sting You've …
Bee researcher Justin Schmidt created a scale to rank the painfulness of different bee, wasp, and ant stings. He and his colleagues endured the stings of 78 different Hymenopteran species, from honey bees to bullet ants. Schmidt used some interesting similes to describe the stings. For example, he described the sting of a paper wasp as the equivalent of "spilling a beaker of hydrochloric acid on …Schmidt Pain Index of Insect Stings
Which insect inflicts the most painful sting? In the 1980's, Justin Schmidt and his colleagues decided to answer this question. They subjected themselves to the stings of 78 different Hymenopteran species, recording data on the intensity and duration of their pain.
Schmidt created a 5-point pain scale, numbered from 0 to 4. An insect…