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Blackjacket

Vespula consobrina

The Blackjacket is a type of wasp that has a shiny black body and yellow stripes. They are often seen buzzing around flowers and can be found in many gardens and parks.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Blackjacket is a medium-sized wasp with a distinct black and white pattern on its abdomen, lacking the yellow typically seen on other yellowjackets. It has a shiny black body and a very narrow waist separating its thorax and abdomen, making it visually unique among its relatives.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusVespula
Blackjacket
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Blackjacket

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Blackjackets are often called 'forest yellowjackets' due to their dark markings!

The queen wasp is the only one who survives winter to start a new colony in spring!

They are super helpful predators, munching on garden pests like caterpillars and flies!

Unlike bees, a Blackjacket can sting multiple times without losing its stinger!

Special abilities

Ability

Swift Defense Power

Blackjacket can deliver a painful sting because it has a potent venom that helps them protect their nest and colony from threats.

Ability

Precision Mandibles

Blackjacket has strong mandibles that help them chew prey, scavenge food, and gather materials to build their intricate paper nests.

Ability

Cooperative Colony

Blackjacket lives in large, organized colonies where many wasps work together, helping them forage efficiently and defend their shared home.

Ability

Underground Architects

Blackjacket can construct elaborate paper nests, often hidden underground, which helps protect their young and the queen.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-22 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
100-5000

Diet & Feeding

These wasps primarily hunt insects for protein but also enjoy sugary treats from plants.

Age differences: Larvae consume insects brought by adults for protein, while adults primarily feed on sugars for energy.

Primary Foods

  • caterpillars
  • flies
  • spiders
  • aphids
  • nectar
  • fruit sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Tobacco Hornworm

Manduca sexta

Provides protein for developing larvae.

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

Captures these common flies to feed their young.

eaten by

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Skunks often dig up and eat entire Blackjacket nests.

eaten by

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

Some birds, like warblers, will opportunistically eat wasps.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Be careful around wasps! Don't bother them or their nests, and they will usually leave you alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackjacket's wingspan?

15-22 mm

How big is Blackjacket?

10-15 mm

How long does Blackjacket live?

14-28 days

How fast can Blackjacket fly?

15 km/h

What does Blackjacket eat?

These wasps primarily hunt insects for protein but also enjoy sugary treats from plants.

Where is Blackjacket usually found?

Urban areas

How does Blackjacket hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Blackjacket have?

6

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