What primary energy source do adult yellowjackets need for sustaining flight and foraging activities?
Answer
Carbohydrates
Adult yellowjackets require carbohydrates, which are simple sugars, to power their continuous activities like flying and foraging for food. This need for quick energy drives their interactions with sugary substances in the environment. Unlike the larvae which require building blocks (protein), the adults prioritize fuel for immediate expenditure. Sources for these carbohydrates include ripe or rotting fruit, flower nectar, and honeydew, which contrasts sharply with the high-protein demands of the developing young.
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