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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous
Size: 10 to 30 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American Species: 315
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Hymenoptera Vespidae
Paper wasps, yellowjackets, hornets
Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Vespids are medium to large wasps and most are black with yellow or whitish markings or brownish. The wings are folded longitudinally at rest.
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Comments: Vespids a often very common insects. Many species have a complex social structure similar to bees and ants. Nests are constructed out of a papery material that consists of wood or foliage that is chewed up and mixed with saliva. In solitary species, the larvae are predatory on other insects, particularly caterpillars. The larval cells are constructed and provisioned by adult females. In social species, the larvae are fed masticated insects by adult females. Females have a painful sting.
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