The biggest wasp in the world. Where he lives and what is dangerous

Many of us have had to deal with wasps in the warm time of the year. For some, this meeting ended very badly. Sharp pain, burning, swollen condition at the site of the bite – all this is familiar to us firsthand. Wasps not in vain is considered one of the most dangerous stinging insects. In some cases, the bites of wasps, like bees, can lead to death. There are a huge number of different types of OS. Each of them is unique in their own way. But the speech today will focus on a EfE only at the sight of which the blood freezes in the veins.

inhabited by the world's largest wasp?

The largest representatives of wasps are hornets. In the world there are slightly more than 20 types, but, I wanted to highlight the biggest and, perhaps, one of the most poisonous insects in the world. Vespa Mandarinia or Asian giant hornet. Their size can reach almost 6 inches in length, and the wingspan — 7.5 cm.

Live, as the name implies, mainly in the countries of South-East Asia: Korea, China, Japan, India. Populations of these hornets are also found in the Russian Primorye.

build from chewed pieces of bark, fastened with sticky salivary secretions. At first, the arrangement of the sockets is engaged in the Queen hornet. At the beginning of the warm season she lays eggs, she is looking food for the hatched larvae. A month later, the grown young hornets take care of feeding the new larvae and protect the hive. And the Queen is only concerned with the production of new offspring.

Working individuals are engaged in constant search for food. In the food unpretentious: eat plant foods containing sugar (honey, nectar). Adults also prey on insects.

What threat the Asian giant hornet?

The Asian Giant hornet – real nightmare of honeybees. As they say entomologists, only 30 such "heroes" is able to destroy the 30-strong colony of bees in just 3 hours. For killing their victims, the hornets rarely sting. For this purpose they have powerful jaws, with which they literally chewed off the victim's head. In young bees against these giants have no chance. Killing a bee or other insect, giant Asian hornet chews the prey into a soft substance, taking in his hive and feeding the young.

Live Asian giant hornets colonies about six months, but during this time have time to do much harm. The giant Asian hornet has very bad reputation among the inhabitants of the countries in which they live. Their bite can be deadly, particularly for humans with hypersensitivity to poison insects. According to official figures, Japan and China from the bite of a giant wasps are killed every year on average 40 people. Mostly beekeepers who are trying to protect their bee land.

With its 6 mm sting hornet injects poison, which contains several very strong toxins. A penetration into soft tissue leads to destruction of cells, which is accompanied by instant swelling and inflammation. The hornet sting is very painful. In addition, they sting, unlike those of bees, can repeatedly. After a sting a bee loses its stinger, but the hornets, and wasps keep. With numerous bites injected more and more poison.

"Imagine that under your skin stick a hot nail or drill" — roughly describes experienced the bite of the Asian hornet for yourself.

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How to protect yourself from attack?

Since this insect settles a colony, at the first sign of danger it emits a special pheromone that is a signal of danger to others. Entomologists suggest not to provoke insects on aggression: do not come to the hive in which they live, not to try to look into it, not to make any sudden movements, waving his arms. The attack immediately. And in an open area they'll catch up with you — fly very quickly. So when you walk near the hive, it is better to be quiet and slowly walk away.

What to do if bitten?

If timely first aid to the victim of the bite of this insect, serious consequences often can be avoided. The first thing worth checking in the site of the bite, the presence of sting (if the hornet is on the site of the bite slammed). Rinse with clean water. By the bite of this insect emits just 2 mg of venom. The poison is contained in a special pouch. But if the stinger is not removed, the poison will gradually get into the wound.

The Second step should be the treatment of the bite. If possible, it should be disinfected with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide. First aid should include the provision of plentiful drinking regimen. For pain relief on the bite should apply ice or a clean piece of cloth soaked with cold water.

If you do not know whether a person is allergic to stings, then you should immediately take antihistamines. If a person is allergic, the ambulance can not catch. After this is a must to consult a doctor.