The Secrets of the Wasp Nest. The Quirky World of the Most Underrated Insects

Wasps are amazing creatures that demonstrate social behavior and cognitive abilities far surpassing other insects, particularly bees - after all, wasps were flying and foraging for food 100 million years before bees appeared! In the book by the prominent British entomologist Seirian Sumner, the fascinating diversity of the wasp world, their species and functions, important stages of their evolution, behavior and habitat, the life of solitary hunting wasps, and wasp colonies as a superorganism are described. You will learn about the history of wasp studies, the role of wasps as indicators of the environment, biodiversity of ecosystems, and pollution of habitats, the response of wasp populations to increasing urbanization, and the forecast of what our planet will look like if wasps disappear. By learning more about the lives of these insects that are fundamental to the ecological balance of the planet, you can learn more about ourselves and life on Earth. "Wasps are one of the most mysterious and neglected gems of nature. The endless variety of their forms demonstrates one of the most unpredictable and impressive achievements of evolution. Their lives are closely intertwined with the lives of other insects, as well as fungi, bacteria, plants, soil, ecosystems, and even us. The aim of this book is to seat wasps at the honored table of nature and transform the intense aversion that people feel towards wasps into admiration and respect, which wasps truly deserve." (Seirian Sumner)