A Sting in the Tail

Contributed to a story ("Red-hot Summer May Have a Sting in the Tail") by Mat Davies in the Swansea Evening Post on the 30th of April (http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/) on whether the current hot temperatures would increase the numbers of the Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). Certainly, these social insects are likely to be encouraged if temperatures stay above the seasonal norm but only so long as rainfall is also adequate. Productivity of new recruits in the nests is linked to food supply and, if it becomes too dry, some of their favourite foods, ranging from caterpillars to fruit, might be in short supply. Hot and wet is likely to be their best combination.