This summer, Britain's wasps are nowhere to be found in their usual numbers, and scientists are taking notice. The sudden disappearance is described as mysterious, with no single clear culprit identified so far.
Researchers suspect that an unusual mix of temperature swings, heatwaves, and food shortages may be driving the decline. These factors could be acting together in ways that make it harder for wasp colonies to survive or reproduce.
Adding to the puzzle, the wasps that do appear are notably smaller than normal. That size difference may offer a glimpse into how extreme weather and limited resources are shaping insect populations, possibly signaling broader ecological stress.