What If We Killed All the Wasps?

Wasps, often seen as pests, play crucial roles in ecosystems. They control harmful insects, pollinate plants, and have potential medical uses. Parasitoid wasps help farmers by managing crop pests, while some wasps are vital pollinators for plants like figs. Wasp venom contains compounds that could treat diseases like cancer and infections. Despite their nuisance, wasps are essential for biodiversity and may benefit human health.

Why is it a bad idea to eliminate wasps from the ecosystem?

In what ways are wasps important pollinators?

What are mastaparins and how might they be useful?