Aerial Yellowjackets
ExploreInsects
Aerial Yellowjackets
Dolichovespula
Aerial Yellowjackets are small, yellow and black insects that can be found buzzing around in the summer. They build their nests high up in trees or under eaves, and they are known for their fast flying and social behavior.
Habitat: Urban areas, forests
Appearance
The Aerial Yellowjacket has a sleek, segmented body with vivid yellow and black bands across its abdomen. Its head features distinctive yellow markings, often including an anchor-shaped design on its face. Unlike furry bees, it appears smooth and has a sharply defined, narrow waist.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusDolichovespula
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A queen yellowjacket starts a whole new colony all by herself each spring!
Some aerial yellowjacket colonies can grow as large as a football!
Their papery nests are made from chewed wood fibers mixed with their own saliva!
They are excellent predators, catching flies and caterpillars to feed their young.
Special abilities
Ability
Master Architect
Aerial Yellowjackets can construct impressive, football-shaped paper nests because they chew wood fibers mixed with saliva.
Ability
Potent Protector
Aerial Yellowjackets have a smooth stinger that allows them to sting multiple times, helping them defend their colony effectively.
Ability
Natural Pest Controller
Aerial Yellowjackets can hunt and paralyze various insects and spiders, helping to control pest populations in their habitat.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 1000
Diet & Feeding
Aerial Yellowjackets are skilled hunters and scavengers, eating insects and sugary foods.
Age differences: Larvae are fed insects by adults, while adults primarily consume nectar and sugary substances.
Primary Foods
- Flies
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Nectar
- Ripe fruit
- Carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
House Fly
Musca domestica
Adults capture flies to feed their developing larvae.
hunts
Cabbage White Butterfly
Pieris rapae
Larvae of this butterfly are a protein source for young yellowjackets.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons occasionally raid aerial nests for larvae.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Be careful and keep your distance from Yellowjackets, especially near their nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aerial Yellowjackets's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Aerial Yellowjackets?
10-15 mm
How long does Aerial Yellowjackets live?
20-30 days
How fast can Aerial Yellowjackets fly?
20 km/h
What does Aerial Yellowjackets eat?
Aerial Yellowjackets are skilled hunters and scavengers, eating insects and sugary foods.
Where is Aerial Yellowjackets usually found?
Urban areas, forests
How does Aerial Yellowjackets hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Aerial Yellowjackets have?
6
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