Country intro
European wasp (Vespula germanica)
These wasps are a bio disaster in the southern parts of Australia.
First discovered in Tasmania ib 1959 and then on the mainland in all southern states by 1978.
The number and variety of endemic species they prey upon is frightening. Luckily the Australian climate seems to limit their migration northwards with areas becoming cleared of wasps during prolonged hot dry spells.
Also ignorant people often kill local species of flower wasps (Typhiidae;Thynninae) because they look slightly similar.
Vespula germanica is a species of wasp found in much of the Northern Hemisphere, native to Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate Asia. It has spread and become well-established in many other places, including North America, South America, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
comments (3)
This is the only wasp that bothers me now. I snapped it a few years back when I was in the UK. I was ready to sprint, despite having threaded my way through thick nettle bushes wearing only shorts, to get the shot.
If you figure out a way to eradicate in Australia, be sure to let us know, 'cos we don't want it either.
Dave Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
Apparently there are worse plants, but the farmers get rid of anything that is going to be bothersome.
Dave Posted 9 years ago