Yellowjacket
ExploreInsects
Yellowjacket
Vespula or Dolichovespula
Yellowjackets are a type of wasp that is known for their black and yellow stripes. They can be found at picnics looking for food!
Habitat: Gardens and urban areas
Appearance
The Yellowjacket is a wasp with a smooth, hairless body, distinctly marked with bright yellow and black bands. It has a very slender waist, clear wings, and prominent antennae. Its vibrant coloring serves as a warning.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusVespula
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A yellowjacket queen starts her entire colony alone after waking from hibernation.
Only female yellowjackets sting; males do not have a stinger!
Some species build their papery nests entirely underground in old rodent burrows.
They get more aggressive in late summer as their colony grows large and food dwindles.
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Communication
Yellowjacket can release pheromones that alert colony members to threats or food, helping them respond quickly.
Ability
Predatory Prowess
Yellowjacket can hunt and paralyze insects with its venom, providing protein for its growing colony.
Ability
Papermaker
Yellowjacket can chew wood fibers into a pulp to construct durable, multi-layered underground or aerial nests.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-16 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-365 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 5000
Diet & Feeding
Yellowjackets are omnivores, eating both sugary foods for energy and protein for growth.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Fruit
- Insects
- Carrion
- Sugary Drinks
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Tobacco hornworm
Manduca sexta
They hunt caterpillars for protein.
hunts
House fly
Musca domestica
Yellowjackets prey on various fly species.
eaten by
American Badger
Taxidea taxus
Badgers dig up and eat their underground nests.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Yellow Hornet
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yellowjacket's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Yellowjacket?
10-16 mm
How long does Yellowjacket live?
14-365 days
How fast can Yellowjacket fly?
20 km/h
What does Yellowjacket eat?
Yellowjackets are omnivores, eating both sugary foods for energy and protein for growth.
Where is Yellowjacket usually found?
Gardens and urban areas
How does Yellowjacket hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Yellowjacket have?
6
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