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VIRTUAL EVENT: The Ecological and Economic Value of Wasps.

01 June 2021, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm

A wasp on top of a pink tulip

This Lunch Hour Lecture will present evidence on the ecological importance of wasps.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Cost

Free

Organiser

Sanaa Al-Busaidy

Book now

Wasps are amongst the most feared and unloved insects, because of their sting and sometimes aggressive behaviour. Yet, they perform vital ecosystem services that are of both ecological and economic importance. It is time we appreciated the value of wasps, as we do other beneficial insects like bees. This talk will present evidence on the ecological importance of wasps in natural and farmed ecosystems and discuss the potential for harnessing the predatory power of wasps as nature’s pest controllers.

 

About the Speaker

Professor Seirian Sumner

Professor of Behavioural Ecology, from the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment (UCL Division of Biosciences)

Professor Seirian Sumner is a Professor of Behavioural Ecology at University College London. Her research focuses on the ecology, evolution and behaviour of insects, especially social wasps. She is also working hard to challenge societal perceptions of wasps, such that they are valued in a similar way to other economically and ecological important insects (e.g. bees). www.sumnerlab.org