What nutritional need drives the intense predation by late summer wasps?
Answer
Aggressively seeking necessary nutrients for the next generation
Wasp predatory behavior intensity cycles throughout the season based on colony needs. During the spring, the focus is softer, but by late summer, the colony reaches its peak population density, meaning there are a massive number of growing mouths requiring protein. This rapid expansion demands a staggering volume of insects weekly. Consequently, the drive for high-protein sustenance for the rapidly developing brood becomes extremely aggressive and conspicuous. This intense need for building blocks for the next generation is what often leads to wasps showing high interest in areas containing meat scraps or where other animals have died.
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