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Oriental hornets show high alcohol tolerance, study finds
Common myths suggest that wasps become aggressive or impaired after consuming alcohol in beer gardens. However, scientific research indicates a different reality for certain species.
A 2024 study led by Israeli entomologist Sofia Bouchebti found that the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) can consume 80 percent alcohol without adverse effects. The research showed no impact on the insects' mortality rates, aggression levels, or nest-building behaviors.
This high tolerance is attributed to the Vespa genus possessing extra copies of the gene responsible for ethanol metabolism, allowing them to process alcohol as a usable food source rather than a toxin.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Vespa genus possesses extra copies of the gene for ethanol metabolism. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Alcohol consumption does not affect mortality, nest-building behavior, or aggression in Oriental hornets. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Sofia Bouchebti led a 2024 study on hornets and alcohol. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) can consume 80 percent alcohol without harm. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Vespa genus possesses extra copies of the gene responsible for ethanol metabolism. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] A 2024 study by entomologist Sofia Bouchebti showed that the Oriental hornet can consume 80 percent alcohol without harm. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Alcohol consumption does not affect the mortality, nest-building behavior, or aggression of the Oriental hornet. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.kreiszeitung.de