by Carla Caruso

Every creature matters in its own wonderful way – including wasps, according to Katrina Germein.

The Adelaide children’s author has just released her first non-fiction picture book, Wonderful Wasps, with CSIRO Publishing.

The books explores the surprising beauty and diversity of native wasps and the fascinating role that they play. With over 12,000 wasp species in Oz, the book highlights their importance.

We spoke to Katrina, pictured, about the project, as well as her love for your Adelaide Park Lands. As for what to do if you see a wasp nest at home or in a park this season? She says just “leave it alone”.

Hi, Katrina. Please tell us how you came to write a book about wasps for the CSIRO’s publishing arm.

It’s a bit of a change for me because my other children’s books are works of fiction. I like to have fun writing about whatever takes my fancy and then worry about finding a publisher later.

This book is non-fiction but it’s still very playful. The idea came from an episode of the Aussie Wildlife podcast that interviewed Adelaide entomologist Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries.

Her enthusiasm for native wasps was infectious and ultimately inspired the story. When I’d finished writing the text, CSIRO Publishing seemed like the natural publisher to approach.

I felt very comfortable working with a publisher that would check all of the science carefully. I’m so thrilled with the final book. I love the overall design and Suzanne Houghton’s illustrations are stunning.

Why are wasps wonderful rather than an irritation as some may think? And are native wasps preferable to introduced wasps?

When most people think of wasps, the first [insect] that comes to mind is the introduced European wasp, but Australia also has thousands of native wasp species.

Unlike European wasps, the majority of Australian wasps live solitary lives. They don’t swarm, and they don’t have such a painful sting.

Generally, they’re also fairly non-aggressive, but like most animals, they’ll respond if provoked. It’s best not to touch them.

The book seeks to reminds readers that every little creature matters in its own wonderful way. Wasps help to pollinate native plants which other animals rely on for food and shelter. They’re also a food source for birds, lizards, and dragonflies.

While adult wasps eat nectar, the baby wasps eat insects, so a few more wasps in your garden might mean fewer aphids and flies.

Can you share a few interesting facts you learned about wasps while writing the book?

Native spider wasps control the spider population by paralysing spiders to feed to their larvae.

The wasps actually lay their eggs in, or on, the paralysed spider and when the babies hatch, they feed on the spider. If we didn’t have wasps, we’d have many more spiders!

What’s your favourite park in the Adelaide Park Lands, and why?

I’m really excited to watch the wetlands at Pakapakanthi [Victoria Park - Park 16] maturing. There is so much variety in that park overall. It’s beautiful.

*Female wasps emerge from hibernation each spring and immediately start building nests.* *Photo: Peter Chew/****BrisbaneInsects.com***.

I love the large gums near the Beaumont Road perimeter too. It’s a gorgeous park for a walk or a run.

My daughter learnt to ride her longboard skateboard there because the paths near the grandstand are great as well.

Any favourite memories from time spent in the Park Lands?

I remember Mum and Granny taking my brother and I to Park 13 – Kadlitpina (Rundle Park) to paddle in the wading pool that used to be there.

I loved it and used to wish we could go there more. It was shady and wonderful. We’d take towels and snacks.

Granny told me which bird calls were the magpies. I think I was very little. I’m not sure when that pool stopped being used.

What keeps you busy when you’re not writing?

Well, I quite like picnics and tea parties. I have a Bachelor of Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and teach part-time, as well as writing stories and delivering author talks to writers of all ages.

I enjoy reading, daydreaming, and drinking hot cups of tea. I also love bushwalking and going to the beach. I have a gorgeous dog named Mango and an outstanding guinea pig named Honeydew. Summer is my favourite season.

Katrina will officially launch Wonderful Wasps at Burnside Library on Sunday, November 13, at 2pm. Head here for tickets.