Garden Entomology - Royal Entomological Society

SPECIES PROFILE
Order : Hymenoptera
BEES, ANTS AND WASPS
As a group, we rely on the Hymenoptera more than any other animals for our survival. They are the
most important pollinators of our crops; it is estimated that one third of our food production relies
on bees. They cycle nutrients in soils, and in some temperate regions ants are as vital as
earthworms. Parasitic forms are hugely significant in controlling the numbers of many insect pests,
and have prevented the loss of staple crops such as cassava in developing parts of the world. There
is thought to be over 250,000 species of bees, ants and wasps, and this biodiversity reflects the
many ecological niches they fill. It has been suggested that if you add together the biomass of ants
and termites in tropical South America, that it would exceed the combined biomass of all other
animals in the same region, including people.
FACT FILE
• In many Hymenopterans the
specialised egg-laying organ
(the ovipositor) has evolved into
the familiar sting.
• The ability to sting is a hugely
important adaptation for many
species. It allows wasps to attack
and subdue prey, and also acts as
a potent defence.
• Wasp stings lack barbs, in contrast
to bee stings. Wasps also produce
much less venom per sting,
meaning that a single wasp can
attack many times, whereas a bee
stings once, and then dies. This
reflects the different roles for the
sting: bees tend to sting as a lastditch
defence, wasps because they
are predators.
Honeybee Apis mellifera
Honeybees are among the most important of garden insects, acting as pollinators for a wide range of
flowering plants. Honeybees have been domesticated for use in crop pollination and for the
production of honey and wax. Commercial honeybee hives are under serious threat from a mite called
Varroa destructor. Varroa has recently evolved resistance to pyrethroids, the main chemical used in
their control. Some wild honeybees are naturally resistant to the mite. Entomologists are currently
trying to crossbreed these strains with domesticated honeybees, so that commercial hives gain a
measure of natural resistance to Varroa.