wasp sting

[Rod in Japan]

Can anybody enlighten me? What,exactly,is the purpose of a wasp? (apart from their small contribution to pollinisation). P.S. Hope the sting has receeded, Annpan.

They fertilise figs. I don't know how, but that's what they do. What's more, I have at least 7 varieties of figs, and each can only be fertilised by a specific variety of wasp. Nightmare.

The fig wasps are a highly specialized variety that don't buzz about an inch from your nose at a picnic. Whenever you eat a fig, one of those crunchy bits inside is the male wasp.

My 'favourite' wasp sting came when I was putting on my boxer shorts. As I pulled them up, I felt a savage pricking burn in my right arse cheek. My missus had managed to fold a wasp into the boxers when she took them off the line, and the bugger had survived a few days in drawer. I had to cycle all the way to the doctors standing on the pedals. Buzz wizz wizz!

[Millymollymandy]

Good one Rod!

The only times I've been stung in the last 25 years have been when (1) one managed to get into bed with me during the night and I rolled on it twice and it stung me each time and (2) I crushed one between my legs under a table when I was eating outdoors and the third time I don't remember but it was on my arm. I don't actually find that they necessarily sting just for the fun of it so I do 'try' to ignore them.

We had a BBQ yesterday and they were a ruddy nightmare - us adults were OK about them but my friends' two kids were making a big fuss!

I've gone off figs now though.

[mrsflibble]

I'm allergic to wasp stings. last time I had one it was only my mum's quick thinking (and stockpile of Piriton syrup) that kept me from having to go to A+E. Thankfully mum's so used to one or another of the family falling prey to anaphalaxis from various sources now that it doesn't panic her, she just gets on with things. She also knows when to give up fixing it herself and call an ambulance. she can even cope when it's her having the attack! dad's so well drilled now too that he no longer panics either. it's just one of those things. alright. 4 of those things, each with their own unique trigger.

one thing has struck me though, out of the 4 people in my family severely allergic to one thing or another, not one of us carries an EpiPen. hmmm.