MadSci Network: Zoology |
Wasps, like all creatures, imbibe water to maintain their body’s hydration and dilute wastes. They also use lots of water (or wet mud) to make their nests, which are either made from mud (mud daubers and potter wasps) or carton (paper wasps and their relatives). You probably have paper wasps from the discription (mud daubers usually are more interested in actual mud.) For a reference on paper-making and coating with water see: Paper Wasps. http://tn.essortment.com/paperwasps_rwwv.htm One reference to wasps drinking is on the BBC: Wasps. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A225839 For a picture of a paper wasp drinking see: Wasps by Valerie. http://home.att.net/~larvalbugbio/wasps.html and: Trek Nature. http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Europe/France/photo19908.htm
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Zoology.