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Median wasp

Median wasp

Dolichovespula media

A species of Aerial yellowjackets

D. media is a medium to large species of wasp around 16–22 millimetres (0.63–0.87 in) in length with yellow and black stripes on its abdomen. It can be identified by its yellow clypeus with a thin black central line and large areas of yellow behind the eyes and on the ocular sinus. The median wasp also has a shiny black thorax with four yellow spots that are tinted orange or red. Queens are often mistaken for hornets due to their reddish colouration, but can be distinguished by their thoracic spots and deep black color.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Median wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Median wasp
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Attributes of Median wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
The median wasp has a Palearctic distribution and is found throughout Europe and temperate regions of Asia all the way east to Japan. It prefers temperate climates and high humidity. This species was identified in the United Kingdom for the first time in 1980 after having spread there from continental Europe. It has also been sighted in New Zealand, but it is not known if the wasp is widespread in the area or if this was an isolated occurrence. D. media builds aerial paper nests 1 to 5 metres (3.3 to 16.4 ft) above ground. These nests are typically found in shrubs, trees, and sometimes under the eaves of buildings. Nests are made of paper that comes from the digestion of wood and are generally 12–23 centimetres (4.7–9.1 in) wide and 10–30 centimetres (3.9–11.8 in) tall. Colonies are often found in both urban and rural areas. These wasps prefer to build nests close to the ground where humidity levels are higher as well as in open areas where the nest is subject to large amounts of sunlight.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, sap, fruit juices, insects, human-provided foods
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, flies, aphids, beetles, other soft-bodied insects
Biting/stinging
The Median wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Median wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Median wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Median wasp
Common and widespread
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Life Cycle of Median wasp
Egg The offspring of median wasp begins as an egg. Usually cylindrical and tiny, the egg is pearl-white and lacks any distinctive features or mobility. It's reliant on the location the adult median wasp places it for development.
Larva The larva of median wasp emerges with a voracious appetite, its primary function being to feed and grow. It is typically whitish, legless, and has a segmented body. It differs greatly in form and function from the adult median wasp.
Pupal Transitioning into the pupa stage, median wasp now ceases feeding. Encased within a protective cocoon, it begins the drastic transformation process, reshaping its body structure entirely. It remains immobile during this period.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult median wasp’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Median wasp Larvae
Birds, arthropods, mammals
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Predators of Adult Median wasp
Birds, spiders, mammals
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Interesting Facts About Median wasp
Despite its fearsome reputation, median wasp has a surprising trait: it can 'water-skim,' using droplets to cool their nests during hot weather.
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Scientific Classification of Median wasp
Tips for Finding Median wasp
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Youth Habitat of Median wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Median wasp Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of median wasp are typically deposited in paper-like nests built in sheltered, aerial locations such as tree branches and eaves of buildings. As they develop into larvae, they remain within the nest's chamber, cared for by adult workers. Pupae also develop within these protected nests, transforming into adult wasps. For observing these stages, one would search above ground, scanning for nests in shaded, secure locations often associated with human structures or wooded areas. Locating adult median wasp, however, involves exploring a broader range of habitats, as they forage for food and nest materials, frequenting gardens, meadows, and areas with abundant insect activity.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Median wasp
Daytime, when median wasp are most active and foraging for food.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Median wasp
Warm and dry conditions, as median wasp prefer these conditions for foraging and are less likely to be active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Median wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva Median wasp larvae are typically found in the nest. Locating a nest often involves observing adult median wasp during their foraging trips and following them back to the nest site, which is often aerial and can be located in trees, shrubs, eaves, or attics.
Pupal Median wasp pupae are also located within the nest, usually in the later chambers deeper inside. It is not advisable to attempt to find pupae as it involves disturbing the nest and can be dangerous due to adult median wasp aggression.
Adult Median wasp adults can be found by setting up bait traps with food that attracts them outside of their nest. Ensure to wear protective clothing and place traps out of reach of pets and children.
Are Median wasp harmful?
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Are Median wasp harmful to humans?

The female wasp has a long thick stinger connected to the poison gland. The main components of the venom are some alkaline substances, including histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, hyaluronidase, etc. When it is stung, it will shoot venom into the skin of the person, but the sting needle is not left in the leather suit. After a person is stung by a wasp, the stinged skin will immediately become red, swollen and painful, even with petechiae and skin necrosis. When the eye is stung, it will cause severe pain, tearing, redness and swelling, and may also cause corneal ulcers. In addition, systemic symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased blood pressure. The above symptoms usually disappear within a few hours to several days. In severe cases, drowsiness, systemic edema, oliguria, coma, hemolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute renal failure and shock. Some people allergic to bee venom can manifest as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, etc.
Harmful Effects of Median wasp
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Median wasp's defense mechanism involves a potent sting capable of delivering neurotoxins to deter predators. In humans, these neurotoxins can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Severe cases might involve nausea or dizziness, but typically, symptoms are mild and short-lived with no long-term complications.

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Toxic to Animals

Median wasp has a specialized method of delivering its mild venom through bites utilizing its fangs. This venom typically causes irritation and discomfort rather than serious harm. Humans, for instance, may experience symptoms such as localized pain or mild allergic reactions. Smaller animals like dogs, cats, birds, and frogs can also be affected, potentially exhibiting more pronounced reactions due to their size and varying sensitivity to the toxins, although the severity remains generally low. The adult stage of median wasp is when the toxicity is most prevalent.

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Does the Median wasp sting humans?

Median wasp typically sting humans in defense of their colony or when they feel threatened. Stinging incidents often result from close human interactions with their nests. The species can sting multiple times, and while not typically aggressive, a sting can cause pain and allergic reactions in humans. Female median wasp are solely responsible for stinging, as males lack stingers. After stinging, there are no physical consequences for the median wasp.

More Effects of Median wasp

Beneficial Effects of Median wasp
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Median wasp assists in pollination primarily through accidental contamination while feeding on nectar. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers, median wasp inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other blooms, aiding in the reproductive cycle of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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