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| German wasp | | The German wasp (Vespula germanica) is of the family Vespidae and of the subfamily Vespinae. They are found in Europe, large parts of Asia and some areas in Africa. The German wasp is a colony building insect. | | |
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| Vespinae | | ... Vespidae. There are 61 species worldwide, 11 species of which can be found in Central Europe. Some examples of species found in Central Europe are: the hornet, Dolichovespula sylvestris, Dolichovespula omissa, Vespula rufa, the common wasp and the German wasp. | | |
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| Mecoptera | | ...ch are almost identical. In some species the wings are much smaller and in others the larger pair of wings is missing. A notable characteristic of the adult insect is the elongation of the mouth parts; this has earned it the name „Schnabelfliege“ in German (Schnabel = beak ; Fliege = fly).
The larvae look like caterpillars, but have real legs on the chest and abdomen segments. A fork placed on the last abdomen segment also serves the movement of the larvae.
Some examples of Mecoptera are: snow s... | | |
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| ...hich they use to inject crippling substances into their prey and to defend themselves (even by spraying poison) and this sting can be used again and again. The Honey Buzzard and the Ichneumon wasp are natural enemies of Vespinae.
For humans the German wasp and the common wasp are especially problematic because these live in the most populated colonies. Wasp stings can cause? allergic reactions, often in conjunction with severe itching or pain. The greater danger is from bacteria, such as salmone... | | |
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| Myathropa florea | | Myathropa florea is a species of the family hoverflies (Syrphidae). This species is called "Totenkopffliege" (skull fly) in German, because of the marking on the mesonotum which resembles a skull and therefore makes it unmistakable. | | |
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| The German wasp nests underground. Construction begins in spring. The wasps often nest in spaces previously used by other animals which are then expanded. The colony usually comprises 3000 to 4000 animals. Even nests of 7000 wasps are not uncommon. The nests c... | | |
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