Identification
Workers about 7/16" long, males 1/2", and queens 11/16". Workers and males do not have free spots on the abdomen. The upper black marking (nearest the thorax) is triangular with a narrow "neck" of black extending to the upper edge of the abdomen. Queens have free black spots but lack the distinctive diamond-shaped black marking of V. germanica.
Range
The Eastern yellowjacket is one of the most abundant yellowjackets in the U.S. east of the Plains states.
Habitat
Meadows and edges of forested land, usually nesting in ground or at ground level in stumps and fallen logs.
Food
Adults eat nectar, larva pre-chewed insects captured from adults.
Life Cycle
In spring, mated female (queen) constructs a small nest and daily brings food to larvae until first brood matures and females serve as workers, extending the nest and tending young. In late summer males develop from unfertilized eggs and mate. When cold weather begins, all die except mated females which overwinter among litter and in soil.
(1)Remarks
Warning Workers will sting repeatedly if they perceive you as a threat to their nest, otherwise, they are less aggressive
This very yellow (xanthic) male wasp has proved difficuilt to ID to species:
It is either an Eastern or Yellow-Haired Vespula flavopilosa
See Also
Similar to the Western Yellowjacket, V. pennsylvanica, however the first antennal segment of V. maculifrons is all black.
(1)Print References
"Peterson's Field Guide to Insects" plate 16, p.348
(2)
"National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders" plate 486, p.836
(1)Internet References
The Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota has
photos of pinned specimens and information.
Forestry Images has a
great shot of a nest.
University of Florida's
Featured Creatures has a lot of info on Vespula species, including a color pattern chart to identify between worker, queen, or male.
the website
eNature has a complete article with photos and info.
