The Vulgar Wasp

by Phil Lester

They’re ranked one of the world’s worst invasive species. They’re often described as pure evil. People use petrol bombs, flamethrowers and shotguns on them in acts of vengeance.

Wasps are feared and hated by many of us, with good reason – they sting. For anyone who is allergic to their venom, a sting can mean a trip to hospital; for a very unlucky few, it can mean death. Wasps also place massive pressure on New Zealand’s biodiversity, especially on native birds, plants and insects, including our much-loved honey bees. They cause huge economic losses, estimated at more than $100 million each year.

Native to Europe, Vespula vulgaris, the common wasp, has been inadvertently transported around the globe – usually travelling quietly, unseen, sleeping in people’s cargo. Today in New Zealand, the highest known wasp densities have up to 40 nests per hectare.

Though we know them as pests, wasps are amazingly efficient predators with some exceptionally smart behaviours. Vespula vulgaris excels as both a hunter and an invader. Some people find them pretty tasty too.

In this book, entomologist Phil Lester describes the many fascinating and lesser-known sides of the common wasp. He asks: how can we manage wasps? Can we ever learn to live with them? What can they teach us about the challenges we face for pest control? With warmth, wit and intelligence, The Vulgar Wasp tells the story of the common wasp and its impact on us and our biodiversity.

Genres: Animals

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Chrissy Boulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's true to say that it's unlikely I would've ever read a book on wasps if my friend hadn't wrote one, but he did, so here are. But this is well researched and thoughtful exploration of the complex arguments surrounding how invasive species should be dealt with, if at all. If you have even a passing interest in the topic of invasive versus native species, or less specifically, an interest in how everything in the natural world affects everything else, I recommend that you give this a go.
Phil explains the subject matter in such a manner that even a very-lay person can follow it, and it helps that he's funny with it. I think, dare I say it, I may have even learned something.

Also, one last thought, nature is (us included) extremely gross. So very, very gross. Yet another reason I could never aspire to be a scientist - ignorance really is bliss.

[Sjúrður Hammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a conservation biologist but entirely unfamiliar with the field of entomology. Biosecurity and invasive species have however held my interest for many years, and I found this book to be a very nice general introduction to the wider discussion surrounding the control of invasive species or “pests” as the author seemingly would have liked to categorise them. The book leads with some fascinating natural historic and ecological information about social wasps, and a lot of recent research gave me an impression that this is front line of current knowledge on social wasps. It was very nice and an enjoyable read, and I expect to come back and glance at several of the later chapters surrounding the scientific and social science debate about invasives, and the various eradication technologies.

[Carol Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and well written account of the wasp as an invasive species and of the various possible methods of managing it in countries such as New Zealand. Some of the anecdotes were amusing and some quite horrific. Recommended for anyone with an interest in wildlife, ecology and biodiversity.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. I hate wasps and this book really didn't help me to appreciate them lol I think i hate them more now!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting insight into the role of wasps.

[Daniel Headifen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. The later sections concentration on invasive species vs pest did seem worthwhile but also did feel less satisfying to end with.