Transition Yellowjacket (Vespula flavopilosa)

Appearance:

If insects could experience human emotions, V. flavopilosa would probably have an identity crisis. This species (sometimes called a Hybrid Yellowjacket) is so named because it's thought to be a cross between the Eastern and German Yellowjacket, and possibly related to the Common and Western Yellowjacket. Like these other species, Transition Yellowjackets have yellow and black coloration and a stout body, and are roughly 1/2 inch in length.

V. flavopilosa is also occasionally called the "Downy Yellowjacket" or "Yellow-haired Yellowjacket" because of the fine yellow hairs all over its body.

Habits:

Transition Yellowjackets will scavenge for meats and sugary foods, and may be pests around trash cans and outdoor activities.

Nests:

Transition Yellowjacket nests are subterranean, tan in color, and carton-shaped. The nests will have between 500 and 1000 workers at peak size. Common nest sites are in yards, along roadsides and within manmade structures.

Nature toward humans:

Transition Yellowjackets are "picnic pests" and may be a hazard if agitated while they are scavenging. They are also a stinging hazard if the nest is disturbed.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets