Our society is largely unaware of the important role wasps play in the global ecosystem. Instead of recognizing their potential, they are often labelled as "aggressive", "mean" or "useless". In short, the winged beauties unfortunately enjoy a rather bad reputation. In this book, "Wasps - A Reconciliation", Seirian Sumner attempts to transform the aversion towards these animals into appreciation. In doing so, the reader benefits from her extensive knowledge and wealth of experience.

The author begins by identifying the connections between wasps and bees. She explains to the reader that bees are actually wasps that have forgotten how to hunt. The "primitive bee" was a solitary wasp that became a vegetarian by replacing carnal proteins with plant proteins or pollen, thus initiating the evolutionary relationship between bees and plants that continues to this day. Wasps, of which there are at least 100,000 known species, are also the ancestors of ants. In addition, the filigree wasp nest structure is said to have served as a model for paper production from cellulose, as the French physicist and zoologist René-Antoine Ferchault Réaumur noted in his animal and plant physiological works in 1719.

The example of fig wasps shows that wasps also play an important role as pollinators. Without this tiny, non-stinging wasp species, not only would there be no figs, but the great biodiversity of fig trees (more than 850 species) would simply not exist. This would be fatal for the entire ecosystem, as fig fruits serve as a vital food source for many animal species. As pioneer plants, fig trees play a key role both in reforestation efforts and in mitigating climate change, as they can cope with relatively poor conditions in terms of nutrient supply and location.

More than 75 per cent of the world's crops are directly dependent on insect pollination. Bees provide the majority of pollination, followed by flies, butterflies, bumblebees and wasps. Without pollinating insects, there would be a global crop loss of five to eight per cent. If there is a lack of pollination, there is also a lack of micronutrients from which the population benefits in the form of vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium and fluoride. Malnutrition and an increase in diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, would be the result which, in turn, would lead to an increase in healthcare costs.

Furthermore, the potential of wasps as natural "pest controllers" is enormous. So far, however, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about how many tonnes of insect pests are eliminated from our agricultural areas by wasps.

These calculations could be used to determine the extent to which wasps represent an alternative to conventional pesticides, which could lead to a reduction or even elimination of the harmful use of pesticides. This would not only have a positive impact on biodiversity, but also on the health of all living creatures.

Towards the end of the summer months, many people find wasps annoying and unpleasant. Due to the high number of hungry wasp offspring, which are dependent on protein-rich food, this can trigger a great potential for conflict, especially if the wasps are interested in our food. Wasp traps, so-called lure traps, in which the animals drown miserably or are unable to find a way out, are strongly discouraged. There are more animal-friendly and gentler methods to drive wasps away, if necessary. For example, the neighbourhood can be made wasp-friendly by creating nesting places for the animals or planting insect-friendly shrubs for the wasps to feed on. Lavender, peppermint oil or lemon also help as natural wasp repellents. Wasps also dislike the smell of smouldering coffee grounds.

Bees, wasps and hornets are not protected species in Switzerland. However, 296 species of wild bees are protected under nature and cultural heritage conservation legislation. They are on the Red List of endangered species published by the relevant federal office and are therefore considered worthy of protection in their habitats. According to a leaflet issued by the City of Zurich, however, the German wasp and the common wasp are the most common species in our latitudes. The common wasp and the hornet are even threatened with extinction.

Let's hope that Seirian Sumner's book succeeds in showing more gratitude and tolerance towards the wasp!

The work "Wasps - A Reconciliation" by entomologist and behavioural ecologist Seirian Sumner, was awarded the title "Best Science Book of the Year 2024". It is commercially available and can also be viewed by appointment during opening hours in the TIR library, where reading and workstations are available. The original English edition was published in 2022 under the title "Endless Forms - The Secret World of Wasps". Current new additions to the TIR Library are presented in the TIR Library newsletter.