Forest Yellowjacket (Vespula acadica)

Appearance:

This species is known to have three different marking patterns. Many will resemble the Northeastern Yellowjacket with a solid black band across the upper portion of the abdomen. The majority, however, will have two yellow or brown spots on this black band. Most rarely observed are the specimens without the black band and more yellow coloration on the abdomen. Their stout bodies measure roughly a half-inch in length like most other yellowjacket species.

Habits:

The Forest Yellowjackets' habitat is, naturally, in heavily forested areas. Colonies last for one year.  Forest Yellowjackets are predators of only live prey, such as flies, caterpillars, hemipterans and aphids.

Nests:

Forest Yellowjackets typically build aerial nests, but subterranean nests in logs are not uncommon. This species has relatively smaller colonies, with fewer than 500 workers.

Nature toward humans:

Because this species is primarily found in more heavily forested areas, the Forest Yellowjacket has limited contact with humans. If the nest is disturbed, Forest Yellowjackets will sting aggressively and persistently.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets