Warhead Wasp
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Warhead Wasp is a small species of paper wasp originating from Central America. Warhead Wasps are smaller than most other paper wasps with greenish black bodies and white to yellow striping on their abdomens and headstamps. The bodies of these wasps are quite thin, but their abdomens take on a rounder and more plump shape, with their stingers said to make them look like 'flying cherry bombs', which has also been a nickname for the species.
Biological Traits
The stings of Warhead Wasps are incredibly painful, often described as a searing hot burning sensation that spreads throughout the affected limb and lasts for hours at a time, per sting. Subsequent stings when already envenomed are even more painful than the last. Many have described them as akin to being stabbed, shot, a welding torch pressed to the skin, or being attacked by an entire nest as less painful than being mauled by a bear. Even large dragons are known to give the species a wide berth.
Ecology and Habitats
Warhead Wasps are native to the conifer forests of Central America, however, have become invasive through much of the world due to the fruit trade, as the species is well known for its love of sweets, particularly citruses, which are often grown in the region for export. Due to warming global temperatures, Wardhead nests have been able to survive by roosting in homes, garages, and other buildings through the coldest parts of the year and continue to spread, competing with local wasp species. Many biologists have raised concern that native pollinators, such as wild honeybees, may be particularly at risk of warhead raids for their honey.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Warhead wasps are adept predators that will kill any insect they can catch. They are known to be able to keep pace with many dragonflies and damselfly species, though with worse agility, and occasionally will prey on much larger insects such as stag and rhinoceros beetles, praying mantises, newly hatched birds, and even small mammals. They are also adept scavengers, that may compete with ants over carcasses and carrion, and feed on fruit, nectar, and become household pests by chewing on paper and fabric as nesting materials.
Due to powerful jaws and long legs, the most common way for the warhead wasp to dispatch prey is by maneuvering themselves onto an insect's back, and severing the head. They will rarely use their stings against other insects, unless there is a considerable size difference, or they are defending their nest, though may use it on mammals and birds.
Behaviour
The species is known for being extremely aggressive when it comes to defending their nests, buzzing and flying at the faces of anything that comes too close. Primarily, they defend their nests by swarming intruders, aiming to bite sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, particularly when it comes to mammals, humanoids, and dragons. When they have a hold on their perceived attacker with their jaws, they will refuse to let go and begin to sting repeatedly. Many who have been attacked by Warhead Wasps attest to that even when beheaded, the wasps will not let go of their aggressors.
Lone wasps scavenging or hunting are rarely aggressive unless provoked, and will typically flee rather than fight, unless close to their nest. In such cases, they will loudly buzz their wings, similar to when defending a nest, signalling the hive to attack and swarm en-mass to defend their sisters.
They are also highly aggressive to other wasp species and bees, and known to invade their nests in frequent raids, stealing and feasting upon larva and eggs. Bees in particular, especially honey producing bees, are a favored target to make use of their honey stores, and some nests have been known to 'farm' them, leaving enough alive that the hive can and will recover, but be reduced in population enough that subsequent raids are easier, and do not pose a threat of retaliation.
Origin/Ancestry
Natural
Conservation Status
Least Concern / Invasive
Geographic Distribution
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