Scientists say wasps do not deserve their bad reputation

Scientists say that a lack of understanding of the importance of wasps is one of the main reasons why so many people do not like insects.

In recent years, the fate of bees and their importance in our ecosystem has become a popular campaign. Many people are now making changes to protect insects. The same can not be said for universally ridiculed wasps, but researchers say this is an unfair point of view.

According to a study by University College London (UCL) published in Ecological Entomology, the important role played by insects is fundamentally misunderstood by the public.

Negative associations

The researchers interviewed 750 people from 46 countries, asking participants to rate insects on a scale ranging from minus five (a very negative emotion) to more than five (very positive emotion). While the majority of responses for bees were three or more, it was completely the opposite for wasps, the vast majority of them rating their feelings at least three or less.

The most common words associated with the latter were "stinging," "annoying," and "dangerous," while bee-related words were more positive and included "honey," "flowers," and "pollination."

According to the researchers, what is missing here is that wasps are just as important to the environment as bees and that flowers pollinate. Dr. Seirian Sumner of UCL conducted the research and said the bad press of the insects put them in danger. "It's clear that we have a very different emotional connection with wasps and bees. We have lived for a long time in harmony with bees, domesticating certain species, but the interactions between human wasps and wasps are often unpleasant because they destroy picnics and nest in our homes.

Sumner added, "Despite this, we need to actively review the wasp image to protect the ecological benefits they bring to our planet. They are facing a decline similar to that of bees and the world can not afford it. "

Neglected by science

The research team also found that wasps are an unpopular choice of insects to study, which means that their negative image receives little help from scientific studies that might help communicate their positive role in the ecosystem.

Sumner has analyzed research papers and conference presentations over the past 37 and 16 years, respectively. It found that only 2.4 pc of 908 papers published since 1980 were publications on wasps, compared with 97.6 pc (886 papers) for bees. Of the 2,543 conference abstracts on bees or wasps in the last 20 years, 81.3% were about bees.

Respondents who expressed a personal interest in nature were more likely to understand the role that wasps play as natural pest controllers. Butterflies received the highest level of positive emotion, followed by bees, flies and wasps in last place.

The co-author of the study, Dr. Alessandro Cini of UCL and the University of Florence, said: "Global concerns about pollinator decline have caused tremendous interest to the public and support for bees. It would be fantastic if it could be reflected on the wasps, but it would require a complete cultural shift in wasp attitudes. For scientists, the first step is to further appreciate the wasps and provide the necessary research on their economic and social value, which will then help the public understand the importance of wasps. "