German Wasps

[petermcgain]

I heard an item on the radio the other day that talked about German wasps and how their sting is more potent. Was someone winding us up or is there such a thing as a German wasp with a nasty sting?

[Duke of York]

Hi Peter

There is definately a german wasp and we seem to get them in our garden rather than the common wasp.

If you look in the WAB Gallery you can see pictures of the german wasp (one is mine taken in our utility room ) although the differences between it and the common wasp are very subtle in the pictures.

As for the sting unfortunately I cannot tell you, although watch out for their beach towels on your sunbed

[Ollie]

Definitely a German Wasp - Vespula germanica. You will find photos in the Gallery. Don't know about the sting though.
Roger

[paulchandler6]

There is such a thing as a German Wasp Vespula germanica. But whether it has a nastier sting than the Common Wasp I do not know. Cheers

[galanthus]

I read an article before my venom allergy treatment which said the venom of vespula germanica is same potency as v vulgaris but has a larger quantity. However, the german wasp can be confused with a 'eurowasp' which is referred to as dolichovespula medium from the continent, says this is is bigger and has a more painful sting. I've had two jabs full of wasp venom this morning, .5 ml in each arm sniff

[petermcgain]

Thanks for the info. Next time a wasp lands on my rasperry jam sandwich I'll ask it where it's from.

[galanthus]

wow, lots of foreign wasps we have here then Check this out guys Wasps

[petermcgain]

Blow me....I ask about German wasps and today while cutting/slashing nettles two blighters emerged from a hidden nest and stung me. Didn't catch what language they were speaking but the stings are VERY painful. That's the first time I've been stung for years - there must be a link!