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European potter wasp

European potter wasp

Ancistrocerus gazella

A species of Ancistrocerus

The European potter wasp or European tube wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella) is a species of potter wasp. As an imago (adult), the female collects as many as 20 caterpillars for each nest, which consists of a single cell. Her larval offspring then feed on these inside the nest, which is sealed with mud arranged by her. As adults, they eat nectar and aphid honeydew. Males cannot sting, and the sting of a female is not painful. They can be found on windows, foraging for nectar on flowers, or searching out small cracks or holes in which to nest.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the European potter wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About European potter wasp
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Attributes of European potter wasp
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
This wasp is native to Europe, its range including Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. In the British Isles it occurs in England, as far north as Stockton-on-Tees, in Wales and at scattered locations in Ireland. It also occurs in Morocco. It is found in a variety of habitats where there is suitable sandy and clay soil, such as river banks, coastal areas, parkland, open woodland and urban areas. The species became established in Auckland, New Zealand in 1987, and is now found even in Otago (near the country's southern extremity).
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, sap, fruit juices, insects
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, aphids, beetle larvae, small insects, spiders
Non-poisonous
The European potter wasp is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The European potter wasp is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The European potter wasp feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The European potter wasp typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of European potter wasp
Widespread
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Distribution Area of European potter wasp
Europe, British, Morocco
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Predators of Adult European potter wasp
Birds, praying mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About European potter wasp
The european potter wasp, a wasp species, constructs intricate nests using plant fibers expertly mixed with saliva, creating a durable paper-like material.
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Scientific Classification of European potter wasp
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Vespids
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Tips for Finding European potter wasp
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Youth Habitat of European potter wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of European potter wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Are European potter wasp harmful?
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Are European potter wasp harmful to humans?

The female wasp has a long thick stinger connected to the poison gland. The main components of the venom are some alkaline substances, including histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, hyaluronidase, etc. When it is stung, it will shoot venom into the skin of the person, but the sting needle is not left in the leather suit. After a person is stung by a wasp, the stinged skin will immediately become red, swollen and painful, even with petechiae and skin necrosis. When the eye is stung, it will cause severe pain, tearing, redness and swelling, and may also cause corneal ulcers. In addition, systemic symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased blood pressure. The above symptoms usually disappear within a few hours to several days. In severe cases, drowsiness, systemic edema, oliguria, coma, hemolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute renal failure and shock. Some people allergic to bee venom can manifest as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, etc.
Harmful Effects of European potter wasp
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

European potter wasp poses a low-level toxic threat to humans primarily through its sting which delivers venom with mild neurotoxins. While the sting can cause pain and localized swelling, it is generally not dangerous unless multiple stings occur. In rare cases, severe symptoms such as dizziness and nausea may result but are typically not life-threatening.

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Toxic to Animals

European potter wasp can sting when threatened, injecting a mild venom. This defensivr action commonly causes discomfort and localized reactions primarily in humans and domestic animals like dogs and cats. The symptoms may include pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. However, the reactions vary among different animals, and sensitivity to venom can depend on the individual's immune response.

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Does the European potter wasp sting humans?

European potter wasp typically sting humans in self-defense or when their nest is disturbed. Males cannot sting as they lack a stinger. When females sting, there's no significant physical cost to them; unlike bees, they can sting multiple times. Stings can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in humans, but european potter wasp are generally non-aggressive and incidents are rare unless provoked.

More Effects of European potter wasp

Beneficial Effects of European potter wasp
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
European potter wasp is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While adults feed on pollen, they inadvertently collect and transfer it between flowers, aiding in plant pollination. This incidental contact during feeding contributes significantly to the pollination process.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Purpose
Feed Offspring
European potter wasp is a solitary wasp that builds nests in natural cavities or in man-made structures. The adult female hunts caterpillars, which she stings and paralyzes before bringing them back to the nest. Each caterpillar is provided as food for a single wasp larva. Through this process, european potter wasp helps control the population of certain caterpillar species, serving an important role in the ecosystem.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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