What does a wasp look like?
People may ask, “what does a wasps look like?” Most of them are black or have various markings of three different colors; white, orange or yellow. Hornets tend to have reddish-brown heads and thoraxes, with abdomens that are golden in color with dark brown stripes. The majority of wasp species are not social. Hornets are social insects. They have a narrow or pinched waist and unlike bees, they don’t have much hair. Yellow jackets are usually yellow and black without the orange. The following will give you the key to identifying what a wasp looks like and the difference between wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and other types of ground hornets in Maine. Interesting fact is there are about 20 species of hornets. The two that are the most common in the United States are the European hornet and the bald-faced hornet. After reading this blog you will become a pro at identifying and explaining to other people what a wasp looks like.
Black and yellow wasps
During the warmer seasons in Maine is the ideal time for those pesky and intimidating winged insects to search out flowers and backyard barbecues. They can ruin a perfect sunny day in Maine, whether you are at the beach or just hanging out in your own backyard. Encountering a bee, wasp or hornets are likely as mentioned before, during warmer seasons. So, what can I tell you about the black and yellow wasps? Besides stinging you, bees, wasps and hornets are actually quite different. You can lather yourself up with tons of insect repellant, but the chances of seeing and being stung by these little devils is likely. So identifying them may be useful to know exactly who is who. The black and yellow wasps, yellow jackets, have striped black and yellow markings and are commonly mistaken for bees. However, the black and yellow wasps are smooth, never fuzzy or hairy like bees. Their yellow stripes tend to be brighter and shinier. They also have a thin, “wasp” waist.
People ask, “how can you identify hornets and wasps?” Well, keep reading to find out how you can do that, to identify hornets and wasps apart from other bees. From their colorful looks, to their living quarters to their stinging power, here is how to tell them apart since we all want to know what we are dealing with when faced with these sometimes angry swarming insects.
Identify hornets and wasps
One general rule to identify hornets from wasps, wasps are brighter and hornets are larger. Hornets can grow to twice the size of a yellow jacket or paper wasp, approximately 1 inch in length. Hornets tend to have a dull color, mostly brown with yellow stripes or black with a white head (the bald-faced hornet). Yellow jacket wasps are bright yellow and black striped. All hornets are wasps, but not all wasps are hornets.
The hornet is a type of wasp, mostly located in the United States. The size is the easiest way to identify hornets and wasps. The hornet can grow to twice the size of a yellow jacket.
So, here is a breakdown of the differences and how to identify hornets and wasps in Maine.
- Non-hornet wasps typically have very narrow waists. Hornets have slightly thicker midsections.
- Hornets eat other insects and don’t usually seek out sweet nectars, saps or proteins. Other wasps also eat insects, but unlike hornets they like scavenging for sweeter goods and proteins.
- Hornets only build aerial nests. However, some non-hornet wasp species live underground.
- Wasps that aren’t members of the Vespinae sub-family come in a wide variety of colors. Hornets tend to have reddish-brown heads and thoraxes, with abdomens that are golden in color with dark brown stripes.
- The majority of wasp species are not social. Hornets are social insects.
Types of ground hornets
What type of hornets live in the ground? Ground hornets are also known cicada killers. They are actually one of the largest digging wasps in the United States. These types of ground hornets are intimidating insects that can grow up to two inches long. They have black bodies with yellow markings, very similar to those of yellow jackets.
Are these types of ground hornets aggressive? Although they seem intimidating due to their extremely large size, ground hornets are only hostile if provoked. They don’t usually attack people, but rather use what defense they have to paralyze their prey.
So, what kind of wasps make nests in the ground? Solitary wasps and yellowjackets both do. Interestingly enough, the ground nesting solitary wasps generally build nests in groups. Each wasp will have their own individual nest. On the other hand, yellow jackets live together in one nest with many workers going in and out of the single nest opening.
If you need the expert wasp extermination, call us or contact us immediately.