View Full Version : Is there a zoologist in the house?


hoba
05-09-2005, 12:54
Can someone help me end an argument about wasps and their usefulness in the food chain?

I'm trying to find out if there are any species of bird that solely eat wasps. I know some birds, like Rainbow Bee Eaters, will also eat wasps and hornets if available, but are there any that solely prey off wasps?

I'm trying to prove a point that you cannot remove wasps from the food chain without affecting other species as well, which I think is true enough, but my point would be much better made if I could find a bird which eats nothing but, as opposed to one which will eat them as well as other insects.

I've had a look on the internet but haven't a clue where to start really. Long shot, I know...

thanks
Lee

JBee
05-09-2005, 12:59
I'm not a zoologist, but have you thought about plants? Because I would have thought some plants rely on wasps for the spread of seeds, and plants are part of the food chain.

This is a very amature point of view, BTW :D

WallBuilder
05-09-2005, 13:08
I think wasps are the biggest waste of space going, I don't know of anything that enjoys a big juicy wasp and I can't think of one single benefit they provide. My slightly antagonistical attitude to wasps may be because one of the horrors stung me in the summer.
I did like the Mr. Bean sketch with his picnic being spoilt bya bee or a wasp but that's about the only bit of laughter I've had with the pesky things.