Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants

by Heather N. Holm

WASPS is the first full-color, illustrated guide featuring approximately 150 species of flower-visiting wasps that occur in eastern North America, and the specific native plants and habitat each species depends upon. Written with an ecological lens, this richly-illustrated book details wasp diversity and has full-page profiles for each wasp species that include identification tips, geographic range maps, biology, prey, natural history, and habitat.

Five introductory chapters cover wasp taxonomy, nesting biology, prey-hunting behaviors, diet, anatomy, as well as wasp habitat enhancement and management, and the ecosystem services provided by wasps—insect pest population control and pollination. Profiles of each wasp species comprise the major part of the book and are organized by family, showcasing twelve families and sixty-eight wasp genera. Also included are eastern North American regional native plant guides, tips on wasp observation, and over 1000 stunning photographs.

​This is an essential book for conservationists, naturalists, insect enthusiasts, biologists, nature photographers, native plant aficionados, and anyone interested in beneficial insects and pollinators.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ecology, Nature, Gardening

416 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2021

About the author

Heather Holm is a biologist, pollinator conservationist, and award-winning author. She passionately informs and educates audiences nationwide, through her writing and many presentations, about the fascinating world of native pollinators and beneficial insects, and the native plant communities that support them.

Heather is the author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants (2014), Bees (2017), Wasps (2021), and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States (2022). Both Bees and Wasps have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award (2018 and 2022 respectively).

Her expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications.

Heather is a National Honorary Director of Wild Ones. She also serves on the boards of the following non-profits: Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, Friends of Minnetonka Parks, and her local Wild Ones chapter, Prairie Edge. In her spare time, she is an active community supporter, writing grants, and coordinating and participating in volunteer ecological landscape restoration projects. The latest project is a 13-acre oak savanna restoration that will provide thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, and passive, nature-based opportunities for people.

FOLLOW HEATHER ONLINE
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Reviews

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book centers on wasps of the midwest and eastern part of the US some western wasps are also covered. Excellent illustrations and the first few chapters cover all aspects of the life history of solitary and social wasps. Outstanding book, if you want to learn all about wasps and the importance of these insects to our natural world.

[Tracy Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning pictures and in-depth information on how to identify wasps. It is packed with interesting information about their behavior and I learned a ton. I would highly recommend this book if you want to learn about native wasps species, their life cycles, the native plants the adults visit, and a lot more.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've NEVER learned so much about wasps in my LIFE. I cant wait to desperately try to attract more and weirder solitary wasps to my yard. Im going to hide materials i wish would become wasp substrates behind my shed so that we don't have to try and explain them to prospective dog board customers

[Ludmila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m using this book as a reference for pollinator research and identification. I love the full color pictures. It is well organized and easy to use. It appears to be aimed more at the layman than the specialist. This is useful for me, as this is my first foray into pollinator ID and the more technical terms confound me. The wasp list is not exhaustive, making it a great companion guide to more formal keys. It’s a stepping stone to finding the right bug!

[Karen Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book about about insects most people avoid. I recommend to anyone who gardens or has an interest in the world around them.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a book like Heather Holm's Bees book, but this is practically a textbook! (In size, as well as content). It's written by a Minnesota author and therefore slightly geared toward the eastern half of the US (with some native plant charts for various East/Central subregions, like the Midwest, Southeast, Mid Atlantic, etc), but that part is more like an appendix at the end of the book. Regardless of where you live in the continental US, there are profiles of wasps for your area, and the beginning several chapters that are all about wasps - their life cycles, anatomy, diet, services to the ecosystem, etc. - will apply to wasps everywhere.

What I have learned is that wasps are incredibly diverse. I'm impressed that the author does justice to so many types - from solitary to social to parasitic. Each species profile goes into not only physical description, but prey, floral associations, nesting habits, and more. My favorite names from the book are the Monochromatic Stink Bug-Hunting Wasp, the Ant Queen Kidnapper Wasp, and the Smoky Winged Beetle Bandit Wasp.

It did help me identify a species of wasp (Dark Paper Wasp), though given the size of the book, I didn't haul it with me out to the garden, but instead took a bunch of pictures to refer to indoors. I also enjoyed learning more about two other wasps I've previously identified in the garden. It's a great feeling to sit down next to a patch of Monarda punctata and watch at least three different species, plus bees and other pollinators, all crawling together over the blossoms!

[Vallerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It is organized in a way that makes sense and teaches a lot. Every page is a treat and this species guide for wasps of eastern US is the best