In defence of wasps: a misunderstood insect with human-like qualities

Their use of large objects to geo-locate and love of sugary treats may make them a nuisance, but we can't live without themInvertebrate of the year 2024: all hail Earth's spineless heroesNominate your UK invertebrate species of the yearWhen I am asked to choose my favourite insect, I have no hesitation in choosing the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). I have been stung many times, having first fallen into a wasp nest at 5 years old though spared many of the stings by wasps entangled in the thick sweater my great-aunt had knitted.But the wasp gets your attention and causes a reaction. It is perhaps the marmite of the insect world, you love it or hate it but you're never indifferent and that gives me something to work on.Paul Hetherington is Director of Fundraising and Communications at the charity BuglifeWelcome to the Guardian's invertebrate of the year competition! Every day for the next two weeks we'll be profiling one of the incredible invertebrates that live in and around the UK. Let us know which invertebrates you think we should be including here. And at midnight on Friday 12 April, voting will open to decide which is our favourite invertebrate - for now - with the winner to be announced on Monday 15 April. Continue reading...