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Prairie yellowjacket

Prairie yellowjacket

Vespula atropilosa

A species of Ground yellowjackets

Vespula atropilosa is a black and yellow wasp. It ranges from 10 to 15 mm in size. In some places males have two different abdominal patterns of coloring: one with more black than yellow (xanthic) and the other with more yellow than black (melanic). Regarding the head, the malar or zygomatic space is less than half as long as the penultimate segment of the antenna, the occipital carina is incomplete, and the ventral section of the scape is yellow and the dorsal section of the scape is black. Regarding the body, the metasomal tergites are covered with long straight hair, the black central region of the apex of the second gastral tergum is pointed, and the male aedeagus is saddle-shaped.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Prairie yellowjacket sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Prairie yellowjacket
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Attributes of Prairie yellowjacket
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Vespula atropilosa only forage for live prey and are not scavengers like other wasps. When in screenhouses, workers will also forage for vegetation growing in the screenhouse. Workers in screenhouses often steal captured prey from each other even when there is no shortage of prey. Theft occurs while workers cut up prey before taking it back to the nest. After prey has been caught, workers fly off quickly so they can malaxate the prey. This behavior might be adaptive since it takes successful workers away from the site of capture and avoids further contact with other workers. Prey theft occurs when V. atropilosa are confined in screenhouses but not when they are foraging in their natural habitat.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, fruits, insects, human food, sap
Larva Food Source
Insects, caterpillars, aphids, beetle larvae, spiders
Biting/stinging
The Prairie yellowjacket may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Prairie yellowjacket
Invasive Species
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Distribution Area of Prairie yellowjacket
Western North America, Canada, United States
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Life Cycle of Prairie yellowjacket
Egg The egg provides the initial phase in the life of prairie yellowjacket, where it's mostly immobile with a protective casing. A tiny, legless larva developed inside will soon hatch.
Larva This stage showcases significant growth. The larva of prairie yellowjacket is worm-like, larger than the egg, and primarily focused on consuming nutrients voraciously to facilitate rapid growth.
Pupal The pupa represents a transition, encased within a cocoon as prairie yellowjacket undergoes a remarkable transformation. Color and form gradually shift as the insect prepares to emerge fully morphed.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult prairie yellowjacket is distinguished by functional wings and reproductive organs. Coloration often becomes more vivid, signifying maturity and readiness for reproduction.
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Predators of Prairie yellowjacket Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, predacious insects
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Scientific Classification of Prairie yellowjacket
Tips for Finding Prairie yellowjacket
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Youth Habitat of Prairie yellowjacket
Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Prairie yellowjacket
Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Prairie yellowjacket
Sweet substances, proteins, or carbohydrate-rich food can attract prairie yellowjacket depending on the season; early in the season they seek proteins, later they are attracted to sugars.
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Habitat Preferences of Prairie yellowjacket Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of prairie yellowjacket are typically found in subterranean nests made of chewed plant fibers, often established in abandoned rodent burrows or similarly protected underground cavities. These locations are usually in open fields or gardens, where the soil is soft enough for the queens to excavate. The adult prairie yellowjacket can often be found in a variety of environments, such as meadows, forest edges, and urban gardens where they hunt for food and gather materials for the nest. Searching for the larvae should take place by carefully excavating suspected nesting sites in suitable habitats, while adult prairie yellowjacket are best observed as they forage on flowers or scavenge in areas with human activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Prairie yellowjacket at Different Life Stages
Larva Prairie yellowjacket larvae are found in the nest and are typically cared for by adult workers. To find them, locate prairie yellowjacket nests by following the flight path of foraging workers, typically found in the ground or in cavities in walls or trees. Use caution and consider professional assistance as disturbing nests may provoke defensive behavior.
Pupal Pupal stage of prairie yellowjacket also occurs in the security of their nests. It is inadvisable to try to find pupae without proper expertise as this involves handling the nest and can pose risks due to stinging behavior of adult prairie yellowjacket.
Adult Prairie yellowjacket adults are found near food sources or returning to their nests. To find adults, identify areas with abundant insect activity, flowers, or human food sources. Prairie yellowjacket can be observed visiting flowers or scavenging; searching around picnic areas, garbage bins, or outdoor eateries during daytime hours can be efficient. Always exercise caution and avoid close contact to prevent stings.
Are Prairie yellowjacket harmful?
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Are Prairie 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 Prairie yellowjacket
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

Prairie yellowjacket uses its hair as a defense mechanism by secreting a mild toxin that can cause discomfort upon touch. Both during its larvae and adult stages, contact with the hair can result in poisoning for animals like humans, dogs, cats, and birds. While the effects are typically mild, different species may experience varying levels of discomfort or reactions to the toxin.

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Does the Prairie yellowjacket sting humans?

Prairie yellowjacket may sting when they feel threatened or their nest is disturbed. Typically, females possess stingers and are more likely to sting, as they defend their colony aggressively. Stinging impacts humans with pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. Prairie yellowjacket does not die after stinging and can sting multiple times, though repeated aggression can deplete their energy, impacting their survival.

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Nuisance Pests

Prairie yellowjacket habit of close association with humans leads to distress, including painful stings and potential allergic reactions. Occurrences range from mild annoyances at picnics to severe cases near their nests.

More Effects of Prairie yellowjacket

Beneficial Effects of Prairie yellowjacket
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Prairie yellowjacket assists in plant pollination primarily by searching for food. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers, they inadvertently collect pollen on their bodies while feeding on nectar and pollen. As they move from flower to flower, they transfer pollen, facilitating the fertilization of plants.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Diets
Caterpillars, Aphids
Prairie yellowjacket hunts primarily to nourish itself and its developing larvae. As effective predators, both adults and their larvae engage in the hunting of caterpillars and aphids, favoring these as their primary diet. By paralyzing their prey with a venomous sting, prairie yellowjacket exhibits an ingenious feeding strategy, vital for their sustenance and the growth of their young.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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