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Tree wasp

Tree wasp

Dolichovespula sylvestris

A species of Aerial yellowjackets

Tree wasps carry out worker policing and have a haplodiploid sex-determination system; this results in a high level of relatedness within the colony. The workers will take over all of the foraging from the queen once the first workers reach adulthood. Worker wasps typically forage for other insects, the nectar of plants, and wood to digest for nest construction. The tree wasp is sometimes a victim of the nest parasite Dolichovespula omissa, who lays their eggs in the nest of D. sylvestris, as well as individual parasites including roundworms.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Tree wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Tree wasp
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Attributes of Tree wasp
Habitat
D. sylvestris can be found throughout Western Europe and across central Asia to China, and it has also been sighted in northern Africa. It is not known to live outside of this region of the world. This species of wasp prefers temperate climates. In these regions it can be found in most habitats, including trees and shrubs, hanging from houses, and in the ground. It is often found in both urban and rural areas.Despite being called the tree wasp, D. sylvestris builds both aerial nests in trees and hedges, as well as underground nests. These underground nests are typically built near the ground surface in preexisting holes. All nests appear to need an overhanging structure to suspend from, such as a rock, grass stem, or roof of a house, but the location and type of these structures can vary significantly.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, sap, fruit juices, honeydew, insects
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, flies, aphids, spider mites, other small insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Tree wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Tree 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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Appearance of Tree wasp
Dolichovespula sylvestris can reach a length of 11–15 millimetres (0.43–0.59 in) in workers, of 15–19 millimetres (0.59–0.75 in) in queens and of 13–17 millimetres (0.51–0.67 in) in males. This medium-sized species has the typical drawing of black and yellow stripes of many social wasps. The head and the thorax are predominantly black with yellow drawings. The abdomen is black with transverse yellow bands. The wings are slightly brownish. The distance between mandible and lower edge of the compound eye (oculo-malar space) is the same or longer than width of antennal scape. The large eyes are C-shaped, as they have a strong cut in the edge. At the top of the head there are three small ocelli. This species can be identified by its solid yellow face with a single small, central, black dot on the clypeus, a thorax with long lateral hairs, and two posterior yellow spots.This species is less aggressive in comparison to many wasps, but will sting both animals and humans to protect its nest. Nests are made of paper that comes from the digestion of wood, generally dead bark, and measure 10–15 centimetres (3.9–5.9 in) in diameter with an average of 4 combs.
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Life Cycle of Tree wasp
Egg At this initial stage, the tree wasp presents as a tiny, oval, and often translucent egg. The size is typically minute, and the color can vary depending on the species.
Larva During the larval stage, the tree wasp resembles a worm-like creature, lacking true limbs and wings. Its primary function is to consume food for rapid growth.
Pupal The pupal stage marks a transformation period for the tree wasp, where it remains mostly immobile inside a cocoon. Its body is undergoing reorganization for adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tree 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 Tree wasp Larvae
Ants, birds, rodents, spiders
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Predators of Adult Tree wasp
Birds, spiders, dragonflies, mammals, other wasp species
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Scientific Classification of Tree wasp
Tips for Finding Tree wasp
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Youth Habitat of Tree wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Tree wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Tree wasp
Sweet substances or proteins like sugar water or small pieces of meat can attract tree wasp due to their dietary needs.
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Habitat Preferences of Tree wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of tree wasp reside in grey paper-like nests typically constructed in bushes or low trees. Adult tree wasp thrive in various environments that include meadows, gardens, and forest edges where they forage for food. To locate the larvae, one would inspect the lower branches of shrubbery and the understory of wooded areas, carefully observing for nests. Finding adults would involve searching flowers and other vegetative food sources in open spaces within these habitats during daylight hours when they are most active.
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How and Where Can You Find Tree wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva Tree wasp larvae are found in the nests built typically by the adult tree wasp. These nests are often located in sheltered areas like eaves, attics, or in hollow trees. Carefully inspect such potential nesting sites to find the larvae.
Pupal During the pupal stage, tree wasp are not mobile and will be found in the nest, inside unique cells. Nests can sometimes be found attached to branches of trees or on structures, so use caution when searching to avoid disturbing the colony.
Adult Adult tree wasp can be seen foraging for food such as nectar, insects, or other sweet substances. Planting species that attract tree wasp, like colorful and fragrant flowers, or setting up food traps can make it easier to observe the adults in their natural environment.
Are Tree wasp harmful?
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Are Tree 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 Tree 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

Tree wasp's sting injects venom containing neurotoxins that can cause sharp pain, swelling, and redness. Although typically mild, the venom can lead to muscle cramps, headaches, and fever in humans. Severe cases may involve nausea and dizziness, but these are rare. The species predominantly uses the sting as a defense mechanism rather than for preying.

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Toxic to Animals

Tree wasp can release toxins as a defense mechanism through its skin, particularly from its joints. This organism’s poison may vary from mild to severe, depending on the dosage and the animal's physiology. For example, humans and pets like dogs and cats might experience discomfort or more serious health effects upon touching or ingesting parts of tree wasp. Birds and small reptiles, such as lizards, could also be negatively affected if they come into contact with or consume this organism at its toxic life stages.

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Does the Tree wasp sting humans?

Tree wasp is a wasp that may sting humans mostly in defense. Stings typically occur when they feel threatened by human proximity to their nests. This species uses its stinger to inject venom, which can cause pain and allergic reactions in humans. Female tree wasp have the stinging capability, as males lack stingers. When a tree wasp stings, it doesn't die afterward, unlike some bees, because its stinger isn't barbed and can be retracted.

More Effects of Tree wasp

Beneficial Effects of Tree wasp
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Diets
Caterpillars, Aphids
The tree wasp hunts primarily to nourish itself and its growing brood. Adult wasps forage for high-protein meals like caterpillars and aphids to feed their larvae. In an intriguing twist of nature, the larvae secrete a sweet substance the adults consume, creating a reciprocal feeding relationship unique to their kind.
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