A Conversation for Ask h2g2

Wasps

Post 1

Mol - on the new tablet

There is a wasp in the room. It's 12.30 am (ie, practically the middle of the night). Shouldn't wasps go home when it gets dark? Aren't they supposed to buzz around litter bins and ice creams, not smoke-filled offices and humming computers?

Can anybody explain wasps?

Mol


Wasps

Post 2

Xanatic

Well, there must be some insomniac wasps. And maybe it thinks the humming computer is a fellow wasp.


Wasps

Post 3

Mol - on the new tablet

I solved its insomnia problem about five minutes after making the posting.

Mol


Wasps

Post 4

Xanatic

You mean you sang it lullabies and rocked it to sleep in your arms?


Wasps

Post 5

Geggs

Why do I feel the once-popular coda "with extreme prejudice" coming on?


Geggs


Wasps

Post 6

Orcus

'Can anybody explain wasps?'

Wow, now there's a challenge, now where did my philosophy book go? smiley - winkeye


Wasps

Post 7

IctoanAWEWawi

I just found out that wasp stands for Women Air Service Pilots as well.
The things you learn (although one of them buzzing round the room would be dangerous as well as annoying smiley - winkeye )


Wasps

Post 8

Ged42

Covered in Beeeeees... what...oh.....Covered in Waaaaaspssmiley - run


Wasps

Post 9

Mol - on the new tablet

Funnily enough, it never occurred to me to sing it lullabies and rock it gently.

I am clearly guilty of waspism. Or anti-waspism. Or something equally uncaring.

Mol


Wasps

Post 10

A Super Furry Animal

Probably insectism in general ("they all look the same to me").

Wasps can also be explained as white anglo-saxon protestants.

RFsmiley - evilgrin


Wasps

Post 11

Baron Grim

Don't forget the 80's glam-metal band WASP... or as they were labeled by Tipper Gore and the PMRC: "We-Are-Sexual-Perverts!"


Wasps

Post 12

Mol - on the new tablet

Thank you, friends. I meant the yellow and black striped insects with the fearsome reputation (easily tw*tted with a ruler though). Hang on - maybe there's an entry on them!

Mol


Wasps

Post 13

Mol - on the new tablet

Hmm, there IS an edited entry, but it doesn't mention their insomniac tendencies or their contribution to the planet.

I suppose wasps keep humans fit by encouraging us to run around trying to cosh them over the head instead of sitting still sipping pina coladas.

But apart from that, I'm stumped.

Mol


Wasps

Post 14

Xanatic

I remember trying to get my mom to explain wasps when I was little. What their purpose is and all. Never got a good answer.


Wasps

Post 15

IctoanAWEWawi

They have none. They kill bees and other useful insects.

The only interesting(?) thing I know about wasps is that there maximum survivable body temperature is 0.1 degrees celsius less than that of the bee. the bees use exploit this when a wasp invades the hive by mobbing the wasp and clinging onto it, thereby smothering it and raising its body temperature. Since they can survive 0.1C higher temp, they kill the wasp before they temselves die.

One for the underdog and teamwork there!

I remember WASP the group 'Headless Childrne' was one of the tracks I remember. Probably still got the tape somewhere....


Wasps

Post 16

Crescent

Some species of wasp kill aphids and other insects we would class as destructive. Until later....
BCNU - Crescent


Wasps

Post 17

IctoanAWEWawi

Ah, maybe it was hornets Iw as thinking of.

I seem to recall, when I was at school, that wasps were called jaspers. I'm sure there is bound to be some deeply un-PC reason for this, but anyone know what it is? Indeed, did anyone else call them this?


Wasps

Post 18

Mol - on the new tablet

Oh! Oh! Oh! DH calls them jaspers too! I'd never heard anybody call them this until he did, and I always thought he'd made it up.

There was another one up here at 1am this morning, but it found the window before I found the ruler.

Mol


Wasps

Post 19

IctoanAWEWawi

So not just me then. I bet there;s something like it's a mispronunciation off the latin or french or italian or something word for wasp.


Wasps

Post 20

Galaxy Babe - eclectic editor

smiley - yikes

I had to leave the park earlier than I intended yesterday (with my son & grandson) because I kept being dive-bombed by the d*mned things.
Wasps, not the kids.

I have to carry a pack of anti-histamines in case I get stung, because I'm allergic to their stings.

smiley - sadface

Venturing outdoors with bared legs/arms is a no-no for mesmiley - blueand I can't leave windows open either, in case one gets in & catches me unawares.smiley - skull


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