Yellowjacket Vespula species
Identification
These wasps have black and yellow bodies and rapid flight.
Location
Common statewide
Size
Half inch
Diet
They feed on insects nectar and human food.
Habitat
They occur in many habitats.
Activity Period
April to October
Behavior
They are social and build underground or cavity nests. They are active in warm months.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in late summer.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
They have long been widespread in Ohio.
Human Interactions
They often interact with humans at picnics.
Facts
They are important predators despite their reputation.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Insects nectar human food | Fields forests suburbs | Statewide