Wasp, often seen as unwanted and disgusting insects, have a story of dislike that goes back to thousands of years, including criticism of historical figures such as Aristotle. However, a teacher is dedicating his career to show the positive side of these insects.
Seirian Sumner, a behavioral ecology expert at University College London (UCL), is the coordinator of the exhibition “World of Wasps” at the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, which seeks to reveal the little known lives of wasps.
Open until January 2026, the exhibition invites the public to know these insects better and rethink the prejudice that surrounds them, showing that the wasps are much more than simple discomfort-they are key pieces for biodiversity and science.
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In an interview with CNNSumner pointed out that wasps are fundamental to the balance of ecosystems, acting as natural pest controllers. They hunt a variety of insects such as caterpillars, aphids and beetles, reducing the need to use chemical pesticides.
“A worldless world would mean that we would be inclined to use more chemicals to control the populations of other insects and pets we don’t like: caterpillars, aphids, spiders, beetles – there is a wasp that hunting them,” the teacher told CNN.
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In addition, the wasps are important pollinating, visiting flowers to feed on nectar, and some plants, such as figs, depend exclusively on them for pollination.
Another surprising aspect highlighted by Sumner is the medicinal potential of wasp poison. Research indicates that certain species have compounds capable of fighting cancer cells without harming the healthy, and contain natural antibiotics that keep their prey free from disease.
“Wasks also have many antibiotics in their poison and in their bodies, which they use to keep their prey free from disease. We should start taking advantage of the microbial defenses that the wasps have,” said the teacher.
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In addition, wasps are consumed as food in various parts of the world, especially in Asia, where their larvae are considered a source rich in protein and low in fat. Some communities even cultivate wasps to ensure the supply of this nutritious food.
Finally, wasps are skilled in papermaking, creating complex nests with different types of material that impress with resistance and structure.
“They help us understand the evolution of altruism, because an individual should give up his chance to reproduce to help another to reproduce. These wasps have been very important to understand why animals come together to live in groups,” the teacher summarizes.
