How to Tell the Difference Between a Bee and a Wasp?

It is common to encounter yellow and black insects during a walk in nature, especially in the countryside or public gardens. These can be bees or wasps.

Although both belong to the Hymenoptera family, these two insects are very distinct from each other. This article will help you recognize each of these species.

Morphology

Morphologically, color is the first thing that strikes you. Bees have yellow and black stripes (sometimes white or brown). Wasps are characterized by a very vivid yellow and black. Also, bees are generally smaller than wasps.

Indeed, they measure between 11 and 13 mm (sometimes 20 mm for the queen bee) compared to wasps, which are between 11 and 18 mm.

Wasps have a very characteristic shape, tapering with a marked separation between their abdomen and thorax.

Furthermore, wasps possess mandibles. Bees, on the other hand, are stocky and fuzzy. They have very developed hairiness on their bodies, especially on the upper part, whereas wasps are smooth.

Diet

The diet of bees is known to all. These insects feed on nectar from flowers and plants. This mechanically promotes pollination.

Wasps are omnivores, but they love sweet foods. Their larvae are carnivorous, feeding on fish and meat.

Relationship with Humans

It is rare to be bothered by a bee when you are at home. It's quite the opposite for wasps, as they are attracted to salty and sweet foods. Bees are also attracted to highly concentrated sugar-free drinks.

Stings

It is the females of these two Hymenoptera species that sting. Bees sting only once, as their stinger is torn off after the sting, and they die. Their venom is highly allergenic and dangerous.

However, bees do not sting randomly. They implant their stinger when they feel in danger (proximity to their nest...).

Wasps can sting at any time without reason. However, a wasp's sting is not detrimental to it, as it retains its stinger. This means that wasps can sting multiple times, unlike bees, which sting only once.

In all cases, after a bee or wasp sting, the manifestations are the same. They can be more significant in the case of bee venom. These include sharp pain, swelling, and itching.

Habitat

Regarding the habitat of hymenopterans, we must talk about their nests. Thus, it is more common to find a wasp nest in the corners of your terrace or room, and exceptionally, to find a bee nest. A bee's nest, often found in nature, is made of wax arranged in parallel combs.

A wasp's nest is composed of fragments of wood bark and mud solidified with the insect's saliva. The nest has a generally spherical shape with a gray, papery appearance. Furthermore, a bee's nest is different from its swarm, which is a group of bees moving from one point to another.

Bees and wasps are insects belonging to the same family.

It is very easy to confuse them, especially when you are panicked at the sight of yellow and black insects. A better understanding of the location, habitat, and stinging behavior of these insects will allow you to remain calmer or adopt the right actions.