1996
Search results
A wasp is any insect of the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita of the order Hymenoptera which is neither a bee nor an ant; this excludes the broad-waisted sawflies (Symphyta), which look somewhat like wasps, but are in a separate suborder.
May 23, 2024 · wasp, any member of a group of insects in the order Hymenoptera, suborder Apocrita, some of which are stinging. Wasps are distinguished from the ants and bees of Apocrita by various behavioral and physical characteristics, particularly their possession of a slender, smooth body and legs with relatively few hairs.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Yellowjacket (Vespula, Dolichovespula) Probably the exact insect you imagine when you think of a wasp, the yellowjacket is ubiquitous and can be pretty darn annoying.
- European hornet (Vespa crabro) As their name suggests, European hornets are an introduced species in the US. Of the wasps you may find in your garden, they are probably one of the scariest in terms of looks!
- Northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus) Of the paper wasps, the species you’ll most commonly encounter is Polistes fuscatus, the northern paper wasp. This skinny red, black, and yellow species sports dark wings and can reach a size of just under an inch.
- European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) One invasive paper wasp species in the US is the European paper wasp. This one looks a lot like a yellowjacket, but although it can occasionally be cranky, it will usually not seek out humans.
Learn about the diverse and fascinating world of wasps, from social and solitary species to stinging and parasitic varieties. Discover how wasps control pest insect populations and help humans with their beneficial impact on the ecosystem.
- 1 min
Jan 24, 2023 · Wasps are small, flying insects that usually have an identifiable black body with yellow bands. Typically, wasps have a slender, smooth body with a narrow waist, a pair of membranous wings, and six spindly legs. Many species of wasps look like bees, and both wasps and bees are important pollinators that can cause a painful sting.
Learn about wasps, insects that are not bees or ants, and their characteristics, nests and habitats. Find out how wasps are beneficial in natural biocontrol and how to deal with wasp nests.
People also ask
What do wasps do?
What do wasps look like?
What are the different types of wasps?
What is the difference between bees and wasps?
Knowing the difference between yellowjackets and paper wasps around the yard is important because they each build different types of wasp nests. Identifying the proper wasp makes looking for the nest easier.
