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Wasps

So what is the difference between a wasp and a bee? How can you tell a wasp from a bee?

Usually just by looking at them. Wasps are different from bees because they have pointed (instead of rounded) lower abdomens and a much narrower waist than bees have.

Wasps come in every colour imaginable - although they can be classic yellow/black/brown, they are also metallic blue and bright red.

Do all wasps build nests? Yes. Their nests are different from the bees, which produce a waxy substance to create theirs. Wasps chew scraped wood fibres and create more papery nests for themselves... in fact humans copied wasps' nests to make paper!

This is part of the Minibeasts and Pollinators information.