Dolichovespula arenaria ? - Dolichovespula arenaria

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Photo#197060

Copyright © 2008 Gary McDonald

Dolichovespula arenaria ? - Dolichovespula arenaria

Aromas, San Benito County, California, USA
July 2, 2008
Size: ~15mm

Seen on Heteromeles arbutifolia in our yard. (live oak/chaparral habitat). I thought I was photographing another Vespula, but after viewing the image and http://bugguide.net/node/view/35661, I think it might be Dolichovespula arenaria.

Contributed by Gary McDonald on 3 July, 2008 - 2:12pm
Last updated 8 July, 2008 - 8:54am

correct

its a male... probably out so early due to the fact that colonies of these die off early. i did not know that they ranged so far west!

EDIT: now i have some doubt. some V. pensylvanica males can just like that although i am still leaning toward arenaria(partly because it is out so early). do you have a shot of it's face?

… Vespula vulgaris, 3 July, 2008 - 2:24pm

Thank you vespula

Unfortunately, I got only one shot of the guy before he left.

… Gary McDonald, 8 July, 2008 - 8:53am

Dolichovespula arenaria

I believe D. arenaria is correct. The black markings on tergum 1 and the overall body shape don't look like V. pensylvanica.

… Matthias Buck, 8 July, 2008 - 3:30am

Thank you Dr. Buck

I'll move it to the proper page.

… Gary McDonald, 8 July, 2008 - 8:53am

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