Blackjacket (Vespula consobrina)

When is a yellowjacket not a yellow jacket? When it's a Blackjacket!

Appearance:

Unique to most species of yellowjackets, Blackjackets have a black and white coloration. The queens are often confused with Bald-faced Hornets due to their larger size and similar coloration. The difference is that Blackjackets have a white band across the upper abdomen. Workers of this species can also be distinguished from the Bald-faced Hornet by their smaller size. As with most other yellowjacket species, the Blackjacket's stout body measures roughly one-half inch in length.

Habits:

Blackjackets are primarily located in more heavily forested areas. Adults are attracted to sugary secretions and collect protein for the larvae. Blackjackets are predators of live prey like spiders and phalangids ("Daddy Longlegs"). Colonies last for one year.

Nests:

Blackjacket nests are typically subterranean rodent burrows, but may be found in logs or rock cavities and buildings. Their colony size is small -- usually less than 100 workers.

Nature toward humans:

Aggressiveness is often dependent on colony size, with larger colonies being more easily agitated. Blackjackets are not usually in contact with humans, so there is less possibility of stinging incidents -- although they reportedly have been a problem for loggers.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets