Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 315

Hymenoptera Vespidae
Paper wasps, yellowjackets, hornets

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.

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.

Species:
Vespula arenaria

Common Name:

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada

Comments:
This species builds globular nests above the ground in trees or under the eaves of houses.