
Written by Emma Carlson Berne
Part of the Scavengers: Eating Nature's Trash series
Discover the hidden lives of yellow jackets beyond their sting.
Uncover the misunderstood world of yellow jackets, aggressive wasps known for their sting. Dive into their nests where larvae are nurtured, providing sustenance for adults. As the larvae mature, the food source vanishes, driving these wasps to scavenge for sweet juices in unexpected places. Explore their complex behaviors and dietary habits beyond scavenging, revealing a fascinating side to these feared insects. What secrets do these creatures hold when they're not defending their nests?
Fascinating insects, yellow jackets are aggressive wasps that like to eat rotting fruits and meat. Many people fear yellow jackets for their reputation as quick to sting. Yet they are just trying to protect themselves and their nests. Inside the nest are larvae that they care for and feed and which, in turn, provide adult yellow jackets with food for part of their lives. Once the larvae grow up, the food source disappears and so yellow jackets head out looking for sweet juices found in rotting fruit and soda cans. Readers will learn a lot more about yellow jackets and what else they eat when they are not scavenging.
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