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VESPULA VULGARIS
(The Common Wasp)
This wasp is the one we see regularly here in the UK and the one which I have the most trouble with. The species of wasp can be identified by their mask and the markings on their lower abdomen. The common wasp usually has an anchor mark on its face and the distance between its eye and jaw is very short (the malar space as it's called). The antennae are black at the root and its stripes are parallel sided. The wasp has 4 yellow spots behind the thorax. They usually nest in holes in the ground, holes in walls, and in buildings. |
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VESPULA GERMANICA
(The German Wasp)
This wasp is still very common and can be mistaken for the Vespula Vulgaris. The difference is the markings on the mask and abdomen. Their faces have 3 dots with the malar space being very short also. The antennae are also black at the base. The stripes usually bulge in the middle and at the rear of the thorax are 4 yellow spots. The nest is similar to that of the common wasp but greyish in colour. |
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DOLICHOVESPULA NORVEGICA
(The Norwegian Wasp)
The Norwegian wasp's mask is divided by a black line and the malar space is long. The antennae are yellow at the base instead of black and the thorax has black hairs at the side with 2 yellow spots behind it. The nest is similar to that of the Tree Wasp but with a looser covering.
The face is divided by a vertical black bar and the malar (distance between bottom of eye and jaw) space is long. Antennae are yellow at the base. The thorax has black hairs at the side and two yellow spots at the rear. The abdomen is often red at the front. The nest is like that of the Tree Wasp but with looser covering.
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VESPULA RUFA
(The Red Wasp)
This wasp has a thick black line which can sometimes form the shape on an anchor mark. The malar space is very short. Antennae are black at the base like the regular wasp and there are just 2 yellow spots on the thorax. The abdominal region can have distinctly red hairs and builds a subterranean nest covered in smooth sheets.
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DOLICHOVESPULA SYLVESTRIS
(The Tree Wasp)
This wasp's face is either clear yellow or has one dot, with a long malar space. The antennae are yellow at the root and there are usually pale hairs at the sides of the thorax with 2 yellow spots at the rear. The nest is ball-like which hangs in bushes. It's usually covered with strong sheets. |
