A yellowjacket (Vespula sp.) attacking and killing a woolly caterpillar (Arctinae) - Vespula maculifrons

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Vespoidea » Hornets, Yellowjackets; Paper, Potter, Mason, and Pollen Wasps; and Allies (Vespidae) » Hornets and Yellowjackets (Vespinae) » Ground Yellowjackets (Vespula) » Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons)

Photo#1643603

Copyright © 2019 Michael Patrikeev

A yellowjacket (Vespula sp.) attacking and killing a woolly caterpillar (Arctinae) - Vespula maculifrons

Ross Prairie State Forest, Marion County, Florida, USA
February 6, 2019

A sequence of a Vespula sp. attacking and killing a caterpillar (perhaps of Hypercompe scribonia, Spilosoma congrua or related). I did not witness the beginning of the attack; the wagging caterpillar attracted my attention, and then I noticed the wasp. I do not know whether it stung it before or after I spotted them, but the wasp has approached the caterpillar more than once and possibly stung it then. I observed the attack for ca. 2 minutes, and then the caterpillar was dead or paralyzed (likely the former).

Images of this individual: tag all

A yellowjacket (Vespula sp.) attacking and killing a woolly caterpillar (Arctinae) - Vespula maculifrons

A yellowjacket (Vespula sp.) attacking and killing a woolly caterpillar (Actinae) - Vespula maculifrons

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Contributed by Michael Patrikeev on 18 March, 2019 - 9:42pm
Last updated 21 March, 2019 - 9:52pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Michael Patrikeev, 21 March, 2019 - 9:52pm

Great observation

This is likely a worker from an overwintering colony. The species is Vespula maculifrons. Wasps seem to usually be deterred by the spiny caterpillars such as this, but perhaps during the lean winter months, workers from perennial colonies will take on most any food source they come across.

… Vespula Vulgaris, 19 March, 2019 - 3:41am

Thanks! Should I move it to V

Thanks! Should I move it to Vespula maculifrons or wait until someone identifies the caterpillar? Alternatively, I could move the sequence and post another photo of the caterpillar in the Arctiinae.
Unfortunately, I could not wait at the scene and see what has followed, e.g., whether the wasp would try to “shave” the caterpillar, drug it away or chew off pieces… I had to run to my car to avoid being locked on the parking lot for the night…

… Michael Patrikeev, 19 March, 2019 - 11:09am

Your call

I left the images here in case you wanted an ID on the caterpillar,
but your suggestion sounds like a reasonable one to me.

… Vespula Vulgaris, 19 March, 2019 - 11:17pm

Shall do!

… Michael Patrikeev, 21 March, 2019 - 9:51pm

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