Abstract
Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) play a vital ecological role as predators and natural biological control agents in diverse ecosystems. This study investigated the species composition, abundance and spatial distribution of wasps in District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted across five tehsils (Salarzai, Utman Khel, Khar, Barang and Mamund) from August to September 2024, using aerial nets and insecticide immobilization to collect adult specimens. Collected individuals were preserved, pinned and identified to the species level using standard taxonomic keys. Data were organized and statistically analyzed to evaluate species composition, distribution patterns and biodiversity indices. A total of 934 adult wasp specimens representing seven species, two subfamilies (Polistinae and Vespinae) and one family (Vespidae) were recorded. Among the species, Polistes olivaceus was the most abundant (24.84%), followed by Polistes herbaceus (19.70%) and Vespa orientalis (19.27%), while Vespula germanica was the least abundant (0.32%). The subfamily Polistinae accounted for 60% of the total population, whereas Vespinae contributed 40%. Tehsil-wise, Salarzai (231 specimens) and Mamund (216 specimens) showed the highest abundance, while Utman Khel (152 specimens) recorded the lowest. Locality-wise analysis revealed hotspots of abundance in Bartrass, Kamal Dara and Damadola, suggesting that habitat characteristics, nesting opportunities, and resource availability strongly influence species distribution. Biodiversity indices indicated moderate species diversity (Shannon H′ = 1.75, Simpson D = 0.82) and high evenness (Pielou J = 0.90), reflecting a relatively balanced wasp community. These findings demonstrate that District Bajaur supports a diverse and widely distributed wasp community, with Polistinae species being dominant. The study provides baseline data for entomological research, biodiversity monitoring and potential application of wasps as biological control agents. Further investigations considering seasonal dynamics and additional habitats are recommended to better understand the ecological roles and conservation status of wasp populations in the region.