Zap

Acheopolistes parodoxus (Zap)

The zap is a very large species of wasp endemic to Madagascar with long dragonfly like wings. It gets it's scientific name from the fact that it is a solitary paper wasp, a group which otherwise contains only eusocial species. It is believed that this is a atavism rather than a basal trait. Its stinger contains an incredibly potent venom, while not lethal to an animal as large as us humans it is said to feel like getting struck by lighting, hence the name. The zap is found in virtually every part of Madagascar and is the most important pollinator for a variety of different plants. Normally highly individualistic, in May zaps gather in vast mating swarms which can contain over a million individual wasps! They make thousands of nests on trees and die shortly after laying their eggs like salmon. Their bodys form a carpet over the forest floor that sustains a variety of different species. The young hatch a few days later; they possess strong mandibles and feed on tree bark. Most trees thankfully only host one nest, as multiple nests made on the same tree can lead to massive damage. The grubs pupate in September and begin living exclusively off of nectar and pollen.