Paper Wasp Stinger w/Venom CU, Polistes flavus
Paper wasps will generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened. Their territoriality can lead to attacks on people, and their stings are quite painful and – like all venomous animals – can produce a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction in some individuals. Paper wasps, like many other species of wasps, have stingers that they use for self-defense and to subdue prey. The stinger is a modified ovipositor, which is the structure that female wasps use to lay their eggs. The stinger of a paper wasp is located at the tip of the abdomen and is used to inject venom into their target. The venom of paper wasps contains a mix of different compounds, including enzymes, peptides, and biogenic amines. One of the main components of the venom is phospholipase A2, which is an enzyme that can break down cell membranes and cause tissue damage. Other components of the venom can cause pain, inflammation, and allergic reactions in humans. When a paper wasp stings a person, the venom is injected into the skin, where it can cause a range of symptoms. Mild reactions to a paper wasp sting may include pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the sting, while more severe reactions can include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, and anaphylaxis. It is important to note that paper wasps are generally not aggressive towards humans and will only sting in self-defense or if they feel their nest is being threatened. If you encounter a paper wasp, it is best to give the nest a wide berth and avoid disturbing the wasps. If you are stung, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience severe reactions or signs of anaphylaxis.
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Photo credit: © Phil Degginger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: bee, flavus, hypodermic, insect, painful, paper, piercing, pointed, polistes, sharp, stinger, stinging, venemous, venin, venom, vespid, wasp, wasps
