Wasps aren’t just one kind; there are over 30,000 species around the world. Each has its own unique behaviors and important roles in nature.
Insects like wasps can be grouped into two main types: social and solitary. Social wasps create nests and live together in colonies, while solitary wasps prefer to live alone and don’t build shared nests.
Many wasp species prey on other insects, helping to manage pest populations. This natural form of pest control is crucial for maintaining healthy gardens and supporting agriculture.
Wasps play a vital role in keeping insect populations in check, which helps agriculture and cuts down on the use of chemical pesticides.
Although not as effective as bees, some wasps also help pollinate plants. As they collect nectar from flowers, they unintentionally carry pollen between them.
Wasp nests come in a variety of designs depending on the species, with some building complex, multi-chambered structures that dangle from trees, while others prefer to dig their nests underground.
These nests can accommodate thousands of wasps and are commonly constructed in sheltered areas, such as beneath eaves or within dense vegetation.
Every year, certain groups of animals migrate from one location to another. Some travel thousands of miles in the spring and return the same distance in the fall. These incredible journeys are known as migrations.
Why do animals migrate?
Animals migrate as the weather and seasons change, seeking warmer climates, better food sources, or a safe place to give birth to their offspring.
How do animals know when and where to migrate?
Changes in weather, daylight length, or food availability can signal to animals that it’s time to move. How they know which direction to go remains a mystery. Some scientists believe animals are born with this knowledge, learning it “genetically” from their parents. This innate behavior is also known as instinct.
How do they find their way?
Animals don’t rely on the internet, GPS, or maps to find their way, yet they travel thousands of miles across land and sea each year. They’ve developed unique ways to navigate the Earth. Some use the Sun and stars to determine direction, while others rely on wind patterns or landmarks like mountains, rivers, and lakes. Some even possess a special sense that helps them detect the Earth’s magnetic field to guide their journey. It’s incredible what animals are capable of!
Migrations on the land
Caribou live in the snowy tundra of the far north. In North America, they migrate each spring to the northern coast to give birth to their calves in the summer. When fall comes, they head back south below the Arctic Circle. Some caribou herds travel up to 3,500 miles, covering as much as 35 miles a day.
Zebras and wildebeest – Every year, zebra and wildebeest herds in the African savannah embark on a massive clockwise migration. They’re always on the move, following the rainy seasons to find areas where food is abundant.
Emperor penguins, who are excellent swimmers, walk across 125 miles of ice each year to the place where they birth their chicks.
Migrations in the air
Arctic terns -Arctic terns hold the record for the longest migration of any animal on Earth. Every six months, they journey from the Arctic to Antarctica and back again, covering an astonishing roundtrip distance of nearly 50,000 miles. Thankfully, these strong and speedy birds can complete the trip in just about 40 days.
The average arctic tern will travel the equivalent of going around the Earth 60 times in their lifetime.
Canadian geese – Every year, Canadian geese migrate south to escape the freezing winters that ice over lakes and ponds. In the summer, they head back north to breed and nest. Their iconic V-shaped flight formation helps them conserve energy, enabling them to travel up to 600 miles in a single day.
European White Storks – Migrating flocks of European white storks can stretch for lengths of up to 125 miles.
Insects such as butterflies migrate.
For example, monarch butterflies migrate in groups. No single butterfly makes the whole journey. The butterflies go through multiple generations to reach their destination.
Migrations in the water
Gray whales – Gray whales migrate between the chilly northern waters of the Bering Sea during summer and the warm waters of Baja California in winter. They give birth to their calves in the winter before heading back north in early spring. Their migration spans an impressive 5,000 to 6,000 miles.
Salmon – Salmon have a fascinating one-time round-trip migration in their lifetime. They hatch from eggs in fresh water, grow, and eventually swim downstream to spend most of their lives in the ocean. When it’s time to spawn, they return to their birthplace to lay eggs, after which they die. Some salmon travel hundreds of miles upriver, with Chinook salmon covering 900 miles and climbing nearly 7,000 feet in altitude to complete their journey home.
Sea Turtles – Sea turtles migrate back to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
Fun Facts about Animal Migrations
Many animals get ready for migration by building up energy reserves and strengthening specific muscles to ensure they’re fit enough for the journey.
Birds save energy and are able to travel great distances by riding the air currents.
Male and female walruses migrate in separate herds.
Birds migrate when they fly south in fall and north in the spring.
Fish migrate through the water to feed or spawn (lay eggs to make baby fish).
Other animals such as mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and crustaceans also migrate.
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