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Eastern Yellowjacket

Vespula maculifrons

The Eastern Yellowjacket is a small, buzzing insect that loves to fly around in the summer. They are known for their bright yellow and black stripes and can be found in many places, especially near food.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Eastern Yellowjacket has a sleek, segmented body with vivid alternating black and yellow bands across its abdomen. It features a distinct narrow waist and clear, membranous wings. Its smooth body, lacking significant hair, helps differentiate it from fuzzy bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusVespula
Eastern Yellowjacket
striped trait badgesocial trait badgescavenger trait badgecolorful trait badge
Eastern Yellowjacket

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Only the queen survives winter to start a brand new colony each spring!

Some yellowjackets can recognize individual faces of other colony members!

Their nests are built from chewed-up wood fibers, making them look like paper homes!

They act as tiny cleanup crews, removing dead insects and food scraps from nature!

Special abilities

Ability

Multi-Sting Power

Eastern Yellowjacket can sting multiple times because its stinger is smooth, helping it defend its nest without harm.

Ability

Pest Patrol

Eastern Yellowjacket can hunt many insect pests, helping to control populations of flies and caterpillars in its habitat.

Ability

Sweet Tooth Seeker

Eastern Yellowjacket can quickly find sugary treats, which helps power its high-energy activities and feed its larvae.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
10-16 mm
Lifespan
12-22 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
4000

Diet & Feeding

Eastern Yellowjackets are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on both protein and sugars.

Age differences: Adults primarily consume sugars for energy, while larvae require protein brought back by workers.

Primary Foods

  • flies
  • caterpillars
  • spiders
  • nectar
  • fallen fruits
  • carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

If you see a yellowjacket, stay calm and don't swat at it. Just walk away slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern Yellowjacket's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is Eastern Yellowjacket?

10-16 mm

How long does Eastern Yellowjacket live?

12-22 days

How fast can Eastern Yellowjacket fly?

25 km/h

What does Eastern Yellowjacket eat?

Eastern Yellowjackets are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on both protein and sugars.

Where is Eastern Yellowjacket usually found?

Urban areas

How does Eastern Yellowjacket hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Eastern Yellowjacket have?

6

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