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Widow Yellowjacket

Vespula vidua

The Widow Yellowjacket is a small, black and yellow insect that loves to buzz around in gardens. They can be found flying near flowers and are known for their quick movements and teamwork.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Widow Yellowjacket has a striking appearance with a mostly black abdomen that features minimal, pale yellow or whitish markings, often forming an arrowhead shape on its first segment. Its head and thorax are also black with some yellow accents, and its legs are typically black.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusVespula
Widow Yellowjacket
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Widow Yellowjacket

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Only the queen lives through winter to start a brand new colony!

Their homes are often hidden underground, making them secret architects!

They help keep pesky garden bugs in check by eating them for dinner!

Yellowjackets communicate danger to each other using special warning chemicals!

Special abilities

Ability

Sting Defense

The Widow Yellowjacket can deliver a painful sting because it has a specialized stinger that helps them protect their colony from threats.

Ability

Paper Construction

Widow Yellowjackets can build impressive paper nests because they chew wood fibers and mix them with saliva to create a strong home.

Ability

Protein Providers

Widow Yellowjackets can hunt and scavenge for food because their strong jaws help them gather protein to feed their growing larvae.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-35 mm
Size
12-18 mm
Lifespan
20-60 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
5000

Diet & Feeding

These busy insects enjoy both sugary treats for energy and other small bugs for protein.

Age differences: Adults prefer sugary foods for energy, while larvae require protein, which workers bring them.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • fruit
  • sap
  • carrion
  • flies
  • caterpillars

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Skunks dig up nests to eat the protein-rich larvae inside.

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

Adults hunt flies and other small insects to feed their young.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adult yellowjackets visit these flowers for sugary nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Be careful around yellowjackets, as they can sting if they feel threatened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Widow Yellowjacket's wingspan?

20-35 mm

How big is Widow Yellowjacket?

12-18 mm

How long does Widow Yellowjacket live?

20-60 days

How fast can Widow Yellowjacket fly?

15 km/h

What does Widow Yellowjacket eat?

These busy insects enjoy both sugary treats for energy and other small bugs for protein.

Where is Widow Yellowjacket usually found?

Urban areas

How does Widow Yellowjacket hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Widow Yellowjacket have?

6

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