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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) » Widow Yellowjacket (Vespula vidua)

Photo#325932

Copyright © 2009 Naomi Smith

Vespula vidua

Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada
August 26, 2009

I thought this wasp was Vespula germanica but then I noticed that the base of the antennae is yellow, now I'm not sure. Could someone confirm please. Also would I be right in assuming that this wasp has put a hole in the base of the Jewelweed in order to reach the nectar?

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Contributed by Naomi Smith on 27 August, 2009 - 8:23pm
Last updated 28 August, 2009 - 10:55pm

How sneaky!

It is taking a shortcut and robbing nectar without pollinating the flower. I have seen this thievery many times, including some bumblebees; sometimes they are legitimate pollinators, others they cheat. Here and here.

… Beatriz Moisset, 19 September, 2009 - 4:37pm

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Vespula vidua

Thanks Vespula and Eric for the ID and Beatriz for the info. I knew birds did this but it is the first time I have actually caught an insect in the act.
Naomi

… Naomi Smith, 20 September, 2009 - 9:45am

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Vespula vidua

Thanks Beatriz for the info. I knew birds did this but it is the first time I have actually caught an insect in the act.
Naomi

… Naomi Smith, 20 September, 2009 - 9:42am

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Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Naomi Smith, 28 August, 2009 - 10:55pm

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Yellowjacket in the Genus Vespula

Almost certainly Vespula vidua, but I would still move it to Genus level to be safe

The wasp could very well have chewed that hole...

… Vespula Vulgaris, 27 August, 2009 - 8:27pm

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I'd confirm species.

I've seen a lot of these here in Amherst, MA the last few days, and the markings are consistent with vidua.

… Eric R. Eaton, 28 August, 2009 - 8:56am

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