Bug Identifier
Common Wasp / German Wasp
Community identification

Common Wasp / German Wasp

Vespula vulgaris / Vespula germanica

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Vespidae
Size
Workers 12–17mm, Queens up to 20mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in a variety of environments including woodlands, gardens, parks, and urban areas; often nests in the ground, hollow trees, or structural cavities in buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed mainly on sugary liquids like nectar and fruit juices; they hunt other insects (caterpillars, flies, spiders) to feed protein to their larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects living in large colonies headed by a single queen. They are most active during the day and can become increasingly aggressive in late summer/autumn as their food sources change.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Possess a painful sting that can cause allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Important ecosystem service as a natural pest control, preying on many garden and agricultural pests.