Yellowjacket
Introduction
Yellowjackets receive their common name from their typical black and
yellow color pattern. They are worldwide in distribution, with about 16
species occurring in the United States.
Recognition
Adult workers are about 3/8-5/8 inch long depending on the species, with their
respective queens about 25 percent longer. Abdomen usually banded with yellow
and black, several species with white and black, and two northern
species also marked with red. Wings folded longitudinally at rest. In
addition, pronotum in lateral view almost triangular, extending to
tegula or nearly so; front wing first discoidal cell about half wing
length; hind wing lacks jugal lobe; clypeus broadly truncated and
slightly notched; middle tibiae with two apical spurs. The worker's
abdominal color pattern usually is distinctive for each species, but
because it varies, a series of specimens may be required for
identification.
Habits
Depending on the species, the overwintered queen usually will select
either a subterranean or aerial nesting site. Most of the pest species
are ground-nesters; however, the German yellowjacket usually nests in
buildings in the United States, the western yellowjacket occasionally
nests in buildings, and the aerial yellowjacket commonly attaches its
nests to shrubs, bushes, houses, garages, sheds, etc.
Those nesting in the ground typically select areas bare of vegetation,
or clear an area around the entrance. There are nest entrance
guards to protect the colony. Yellow jackets are very slow to sting
unless the nest entrance is approached; then they are quite
aggressive. Each can sting a number of times, inflicting much pain.
Some people become hyper-sensitive to the stings and future stings
can become life-threatening. Those nesting in or on buildings are a problem only
when the nest or nest entrance is located near human
activity. Overwintering queens may enter the living space during the
winter seeking warmth, or in the spring when they are looking for a
nest site, or just trying to get back outside.
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