10 Creatures That Devour Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps might seem like formidable insects with their painful stings, but they’re not at the top of the food chain. In fact, many animals have developed a taste for these buzzing creatures. From birds to mammals, and even other insects, there’s a whole host of predators that see bees and wasps as a tasty snack. Some of these hunters have clever ways to avoid being stung, while others simply don’t care about the risk. Let’s explore ten fascinating creatures that have bees and wasps on their menu.

European Bee-Eater

The European bee-eater is a colourful bird that, as its name suggests, loves to munch on bees. These birds are expert flyers, catching bees mid-air and then whacking them against a branch to remove the sting. They can eat up to 250 bees a day, which is quite impressive for a bird that’s only about the size of a starling. European bee-eaters are found across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, often nesting in large colonies near bee-rich habitats.

Honey Badger

Don’t let the name fool you – honey badgers aren’t just after honey. These tough creatures will raid beehives for both honey and bee larvae, seemingly unbothered by the stings. Their thick skin and loose hide make them nearly immune to bee stings, allowing them to feast without fear. Honey badgers have been known to follow honeyguide birds, which lead them to beehives in exchange for leftover honeycomb.

Asian Giant Hornet

Also known as the “murder hornet,” this large insect is a feared predator of honeybees. A single hornet can kill dozens of bees in minutes, using its powerful mandibles to slice them in half. They often attack in groups, and can wipe out an entire beehive in just a few hours. Asian giant hornets use pheromones to mark beehives they’ve attacked, signaling to other hornets that there’s food available.

Beewolf

The beewolf is a type of wasp that, despite its name, is actually a predator of bees. Female beewolves hunt honeybees, paralyzing them with their sting and carrying them back to their burrows. There, they lay their eggs on the paralyzed bees, providing a fresh meal for their larvae when they hatch. Beewolves have a unique symbiotic relationship with bacteria that help preserve the bees they’ve caught, preventing them from rotting before the larvae can eat them.

Dragonfly

These agile flyers are skilled hunters of many flying insects, including bees and wasps. Dragonflies have excellent eyesight and can snatch their prey out of the air with their legs. They’ll often perch on a branch, waiting for an unsuspecting bee to fly by before launching their attack. Dragonflies are incredibly efficient hunters, with a catch rate of up to 95% when pursuing prey.

European Roller

This beautiful blue bird has a particular fondness for wasps and bees. European rollers will sit on a high perch, scanning the area for flying insects. When they spot a bee or wasp, they swoop down to catch it, often clapping their wings together to trap the insect. These birds have a special adaptation in their eyes that allows them to track fast-moving insects with incredible precision.

Roadrunner

While famous for outsmarting cartoon coyotes, real roadrunners are skilled hunters of insects, including bees and wasps. These speedy birds can snatch bees right out of the air or pluck them from flowers. They’re quick enough to avoid getting stung most of the time. Roadrunners have been observed using tools, such as small sticks, to probe for insects in hard-to-reach places.

Praying Mantis

These patient predators are happy to eat almost any insect that comes within reach, including bees and wasps. Praying mantises use their quick reflexes and strong front legs to grab their prey. They’re even known to hang around beehives, picking off workers as they come and go. Some species of praying mantis have evolved to mimic flowers, luring unsuspecting bees and wasps close enough to catch.

Nuthatch

These small, acrobatic birds are known for their ability to climb headfirst down tree trunks. Nuthatches often feed on insects, and they’re not afraid to tackle bees and wasps. They’ll snatch them from the air or pick them off flowers, quickly subduing them with their sharp beaks. Nuthatches have a unique behaviour of wedging large insects into bark crevices to hold them steady while they peck them apart.

Spider

Many species of spiders will happily make a meal of bees and wasps that get caught in their webs. Some, like the bold jumping spider, will actively hunt bees, leaping onto them and injecting venom to paralyze them. Spiders are immune to bee and wasp venom, making these insects a safe and nutritious meal. Certain orb-weaver spiders can even adjust the strength of their silk to effectively capture bees and wasps without breaking the web.

The honey badger, a small but mighty creature, roams the African wilderness with a fearless attitude that’s earned it quite a reputation. These tenacious animals have captured the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Despite their name, honey badgers aren’t closely related to European badgers and are more akin to weasels and otters. Their tough-as-nails approach to life and remarkable abilities have made them the stuff of legend. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about these extraordinary creatures that prove why they’re considered Africa’s fiercest animals.

Read More: 15 Facts About the Honey Badger, the Fiercest Animal in Africa

15 Animals That Eat Hornets

Nature never fails to amaze me. Who would’ve thought so many creatures would prey on hornets? Their painful stings and fierce and aggressive behaviour make them seem like a pretty unappetizing meal to me. While hornets might seem like formidable insects that few creatures would dare to tangle with, they actually have quite a few natural enemies. From nimble birds to crafty mammals, plenty of other creatures make meals out of these stinging insects.

Read More: 15 Animals That Eat Hornets

Sharing is caring!