Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Alaska yellowjacket

Alaska yellowjacket

Vespula alascensis

A species of Ground yellowjackets, Also known as Old world yellowjacket

While it may be hard to imagine it, the alaska yellowjacket (Vespula alascensis) is an insect that has the ability to survive colder climates, allowing it to survive from Alaska to Mexico. Typically, this insect nests in the ground, allowing it to take advantage of that warmer area so that it may survive its extreme climate preferences.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Alaska yellowjacket sting humans?
Human Stinging
Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
General Info About Alaska yellowjacket
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Alaska yellowjacket
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, fruit juices, insects, human garbage/scavenged foods, sap
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, flies, beetle larvae, spiders, other small insects
Biting/stinging
The Alaska yellowjacket may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Alaska yellowjacket has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Alaska yellowjacket 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
Pollinator
The Alaska yellowjacket is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Alaska yellowjacket feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Alaska yellowjacket typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Alaska yellowjacket
It is found in North America.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Alaska yellowjacket
North America
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Alaska yellowjacket
Egg At this initial stage, the alaska yellowjacket is a small, oval-shaped egg laid in a protected environment. The size is minute, and the color is typically pale or translucent, matching the nesting material for camouflage.
Larva The larva, or grub, of alaska yellowjacket emerges as a legless, worm-like creature, distinctly different from the adult in form. Growing rapidly, it molts several times, shedding its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size.
Pupal As a pupa, alaska yellowjacket is encased in a protective cocoon, undergoing a significant transformation. The body reorganizes internally, and external appendages begin to form. This stage varies in color and shows the initial shape of adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult alaska yellowjacket’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.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Alaska yellowjacket
1.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Alaska yellowjacket Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, predatory insects
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Alaska yellowjacket
Tips for Finding Alaska yellowjacket
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Alaska yellowjacket
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Alaska yellowjacket
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Alaska yellowjacket
Sweet foods and meats, as alaska yellowjacket are attracted to proteins as well as sugars and carbohydrates.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Alaska yellowjacket Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of alaska yellowjacket are typically found in underground nests or sometimes above ground in dark, enclosed spaces. The foraging adults are often seen around flowers, food sources like sugary substances and proteins, or near crevices and cavities that can be suitable sites for their nests. In the search process, one would inspect soil banks, hollow trees, wall cavities, and eaves for nests to observe the larvae, whereas adults can be scouted for near foraging sites. These locations should be approached carefully, noting the active presence of alaska yellowjacket during warmer months, mainly in temperate regions.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Alaska yellowjacket
Late spring to early fall when alaska yellowjacket are most active; their activity peaks during warmer hours of the day.
Are Alaska yellowjacket harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The alaska yellowjacket can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Alaska yellowjacket 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 Alaska yellowjacket
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Human Stinging
Rectangle
Toxic to Humans

Alaska yellowjacket's venom contains neurotoxins that can cause pain and localized swelling upon stinging. While the sting is primarily a defense mechanism, severe cases may result in nausea, headaches, and fever. Most encounters with humans are mild, with symptoms resolving quickly; prolonged effects are rare.

Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

The alaska yellowjacket possesses a potent venom delivered through a sting, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. It typically affects adult creatures, with humans often reporting intense pain upon being stung. Domestic animals such as dogs might also suffer from the stings, reacting with signs of acute distress and pain. Smaller creatures like frogs and beetles may succumb to the toxin as well. Reaction to the venom can range from severe pain to potential systemic effects, depending on the animal's size and susceptibility.

Rectangle
Does the Alaska yellowjacket sting humans?

Alaska yellowjacket typically stings humans in defense, especially if their nest is threatened. Stinging is a last resort, and females, equipped with a venomous sting, will act to protect their colony. Unlike bees, alaska yellowjacket can sting multiple times, but doing so does not result in their death. Stings can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in humans. Direct interference or accidental disturbance of their nesting sites increases the likelihood of stinging incidents.

More Effects of Alaska yellowjacket

Beneficial Effects of Alaska yellowjacket
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Alaska yellowjacket assists in pollination primarily while searching for food. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers, they inadvertently collect pollen on their bodies. As they move from flower to flower, they accidentally transfer pollen, facilitating the fertilization of plants. This incidental contact during feeding contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Purpose
Feed Offspring
Alaska yellowjacket efficiently controls populations of various pests. As an adult, it hunts and captures caterpillars and aphids, chewing them to feed its larvae. These insects employ an aggressive hunting strategy, meticulously patrolling their territory and using their strong mandibles to subdue their prey, which supports their colony's growth.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Alaska yellowjacket
Western paper wasp
Western paper wasp

The western paper wasp (Mischocyttarus flavitarsis) either live in forests close to rivers or on the underside of rooves near humans. Contrary to what you may believe, they actually don't like to sting as a first option. Instead, they would rather headbutt the threatening presence away. They are omnivores that feed on everything from other insects to nectar to animal corpses.

Read More
Arrow
Yellow paper wasp
Yellow paper wasp

Ropalidia romandi is unique for its overall yellow color, with dark brown markings on its thorax and abdomen. Measuring around 1.2 cm, Ropalidia romandi is considered small. The first segment of the abdomen in Ropalidia is narrower than the following segments. Ropalidia romandi's front wings fold lengthwise when resting, which is a common characteristic of paper wasps.

Read More
Arrow
Ropalidia sumatrae
Ropalidia sumatrae

Renowned for its eusocial lifestyle, ropalidia sumatrae constructs intricate nests out of fibrous plant material, meticulously chewed and shaped with their strong mandibles. Primarily inhabiting the lush territories of the Southeast Asian rainforests, these creatures display a fascinating division of labor among nest mates, which is pivotal for their survival and efficiency.

Read More
Arrow
European potter wasp
European potter wasp

The European potter wasp or European tube wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella) is a species of potter wasp. As an imago (adult), the female collects as many as 20 caterpillars for each nest, which consists of a single cell. Her larval offspring then feed on these inside the nest, which is sealed with mud arranged by her. As adults, they eat nectar and aphid honeydew. Males cannot sting, and the sting of a female is not painful. They can be found on windows, foraging for nectar on flowers, or searching out small cracks or holes in which to nest.

Read More
Arrow
Smiling mason wasp
Smiling mason wasp

The Ancistrocerus campestris is primarily identified with the angry-looking smiley face on its back. When you aren't getting into a scowling match with their back, you may be admiring the unique nests that these types of insects make. The variety of nests puts them in a group of other wasps known "potter wasps." 

Read More
Arrow
Bramble mason wasp
Bramble mason wasp

Bramble mason wasp differentiate themselves by their ability to mason cobblestone-like nests using pebbles. Unlike many other insects, their breeding sees the female solitary, constructing its offspring's dwelling in hollow structures. Additionally, these wasps play a critical role in environments, acting as efficient pollinators and aiding plant propagation. Furthermore, bramble mason wasp, as predators, help manage arachnid populations, providing an element of natural pest control.

Read More
Arrow
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus

Read More
Arrow
European hornet
European hornet

A famously ill-tempered pest, european hornet (Vespa crabro) is a species of hornet not generally aggressive unless it is provoked or disturbed in the presence of food. It makes its nest out of a chewed, papery substance, and it also chews food for its young. It is legally protected in some countries, such as Germany, where killing a hornet can result in large fines.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow