noellebennett

German wasp

There are no native social wasps in New Zealand – a very unusual situation compared with other parts of the world. However, there are four introduced species ...
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There are no native social wasps in New Zealand – a very unusual situation compared with other parts of the world. However, there are four introduced species of which the German wasp (vespula germanica) is one. It is native to Europe and northern Africa and was first found at an air force base near Hamilton, in 1945. It has been suggested that hibernating queens arrived in New Zealand in crates of aircraft parts from Europe after the Second World War. Although considerable efforts were made to eradicate nests, German wasps spread very quickly, and are now widespread throughout New Zealand
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