Bees and wasps play vital roles as pollinators and pest controllers in ecosystems. However, they also face many natural predators that eat them as prey. In this article, we’ll explore the most common animals that prey on bees, wasps, and their colonies.
Birds
Many bird species target bees, wasps, and other flying insects as part of their diet. Bee-eaters are aptly named birds that specialize in catching bees and wasps mid-flight. Other birds like blue jays, kingbirds, and flycatchers also opportunistically feed on bees and wasps.
Birds rely on keen vision and quick reflexes to snatch up these fast-moving insects They often catch them and smack them against a branch to dislodge stingers before swallowing them Birds help control bee and wasp populations while getting an energy-rich source of protein,
Spiders
Web-building spiders and ambush spiders are efficient predators of bees, wasps, and other pollinators. Many flying insects get trapped and entangled in spider webs, making easy pickings for the resident spider.
Crab spiders and jumping spiders take a more active approach, lying in wait for passing insects. When a bee or wasp comes within reach, these spiders swiftly grab and immobilize them with a venomous bite. Some spiders selectively target bee species, impacting local pollinator populations.
Insects
Bees and wasps face predation from other opportunistic insects including dragonflies robber flies praying mantises, and beetles. Large predatory insects capture bees and wasps to feed both themselves and their young.
For example, female beewolf wasps specialize in paralyzing and stockpiling honeybees to provide food for their offspring. Some insects have developed immunity to bee and wasp stings, making these hymenopterans vulnerable prey.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Frogs, toads, lizards, and snakes are known to eat both bees and wasps when the opportunity arises. These cold-blooded critters wait patiently for an unwary insect to pass by, then strike quickly to grab them.
While bees and wasps do sometimes sting in defense, many amphibians and reptiles have tough enough skin to withstand stings. Their predatory habits can significantly reduce bee and wasp numbers in a given habitat.
Bears
Bears relish the nutrients offered by bee colonies, especially protein-rich bee larvae and carbohydrate-filled honey. Using their powerful claws and thick fur, bears are able to tear open log and tree hives to access the succulent contents.
Bee stings are merely an annoyance to bears. While the destruction of hives can devastate domesticated honey bee colonies, wild bee populations have evolved to withstand bear raids. However, habitat loss has forced bears to increasingly target commercial operations.
What Eats Honey Bees in Australia?
Another bee eater species, the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) consumes A. mellifera in Australia. Previously, M. orantus had consumed beetles, moths, flies and other flying insects, prior to the arrival of the honey bee, adding A. mellifera to the diet after its introduction in the 19th century.
The cane toad Rhinella marina is an invasive species that uses a sit-and-wait approach to predation. They eat anything anything that fits in their mouths and moves within their striking range. Native frogs consumed bees less frequently than toads (Silvester et al. , 2018). If honey bees go to flowers close to the ground, get water, or are just outside their hives, cane toads will eat them.
In the study by Silvester and colleagues, toads are seen attacking guard bees as they walk along the entrance to the hive or climb up on the hive box. Toad females were more common and more successful at hunting bees than toad males and young toads. They may have been eating bees to get energy before laying eggs.
Insects, Birds, Mammals, Amphibians… Microbes?
Animals consume bees for the brood or adults (most birds, insects) or hive stores (Mammals and some birds). The first predators that come to mind are insects, which either lay eggs on their hosts or eat them whole. Then come the spiders, birds, reptiles, mammals… the list goes on. Predatory animals can get a lot of food from a honey bee colony. Each part of the hive attracts a different kind of hunter.
Unique Blue Jay Behavior | Wasps!
FAQ
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Do wasps eat honey bees?
and V. magnifica are also serious predators of honey bee. Being social insects it make nest in the cavity of trees, walls or hang them down from tree trunk. from late June to August (Sarwar, 2016). Generally wasp prey on foraging bee but in case of entrance, kill it. After entering into the hive it directly feed on larvae and pupae along with
What happens if a wasp eats a bee?
When a wasp encounters a bee, its predatory instincts may kick in, leading to aggressive behavior. Wasps employ various hunting techniques to capture their prey, including bees.
Do birds eat wasps and bees?
Some predators, however, have thick enough skin to withstand a few stings, quick enough speed to avoid stings altogether or deadly enough poison to stand up against the threat presented by wasps and bees. At least 24 species of birds reportedly eat wasps and bees.