Prairie Yellowjacket (Vespula atropilosa)

Habits:

Prairie Yellowjackets are abundant in prairie and open forest areas. They also nest in lawns, pastures and golf courses. Prairie Yellowjackets are predators of only live prey such as spiders, flies, caterpillars and hemipterans.

Nests:

Most Prairie Yellowjacket nests are subterranean, but they have also been found in wall cavities. These are typically smaller colonies, with less than 500 workers.

Nature toward humans:

Prairie Yellowjackets are not a serious stinging hazard unless the nest is disturbed. Due to nesting habits in recreational areas, this species is more likely to be found near human activity areas.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets