A wasp is a winged insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes ants and bees. Wasps are distinguished from other members of this order by their slender bodies and their ability to sting. Most wasps are solitary creatures, but some live in large colonies consisting of many individuals.
Wasps play an important role in the natural world, serving as pollinators of plants and predators of other insects. Some species of wasps are also used by humans for pest control. In some cultures, wasps are considered to be beneficial animals while in others they are feared and reviled.
The vast majority of wasp species are harmless to humans and actually provide valuable services such as pollination and pest control. However, a small number of species can deliver painful stings that may cause serious reactions in some people. In rare cases, these reactions can even be life-threatening.