What would be the impact of wasps going extinct?
The importance of bees to the environment is a hot topic right now, but their buzzy cousins are critical too. Wasps prey on spiders, insects and mites, keeping their numbers controlled. Some of these prey species are pests, meaning wasps reduce the amount of pesticides farmers need to use. Many species of wasp are also pollinators, vital to many plant species. Even wasp stings may be useful: scientists are investigating the use of their venom in cancer treatments.