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Downy yellowjacket

Downy yellowjacket

Vespula flavopilosa

A species of Ground yellowjackets, Also known as Yellow-haired yellowjacket

Vespula flavopilosa, also known as the downy yellowjacket, is a species of North American yellowjacket.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Downy yellowjacket sting humans?
Human Stinging
Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
General Info About Downy yellowjacket
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Attributes of Downy yellowjacket
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
subterranean; rotten tree stump
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, fruit juices, other insects, human food scraps, sap
Larva Food Source
Soft-bodied insects, caterpillars, aphids, flies, spiders
Biting/stinging
The Downy yellowjacket may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Downy 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 Downy 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 Downy yellowjacket typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Downy yellowjacket
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Downy yellowjacket
North America
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Predators of Adult Downy yellowjacket
Birds, dragonflies, praying mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Downy yellowjacket
The fascinating downy yellowjacket has the unique ability to chew wood fibers, mixing them with saliva to construct water-resistant nests unlike any other creatures.
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Scientific Classification of Downy yellowjacket
Tips for Finding Downy yellowjacket
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Youth Habitat of Downy yellowjacket
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Downy yellowjacket
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Are Downy yellowjacket harmful?
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Are Downy 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 Downy yellowjacket
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Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Downy yellowjacket stings inject venom containing neurotoxins that can cause pain, swelling, and redness in humans. While typically mild with local symptoms, multiple stings can lead to more severe pain, nausea, and headaches. Rarely, intense exposure may result in muscle damage or kidney issues.

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Toxic to Animals

Downy yellowjacket can cause a range of reactions from mild discomfort to severe allergic responses in various animals. Utilizing a sting, it can defend itself or attack, injecting venom into humans, cats, dogs, rodents, and even other insects. The potency of the venom can differ, leading to symptoms such as localized pain and swelling, or in rare cases, anaphylaxis. The adult stage of downy yellowjacket is responsible for these interactions, where the risk of an encounter is higher due to its mobility and protective behavior.

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Does the Downy yellowjacket sting humans?

Downy yellowjacket typically sting humans in defense of their nest or when they feel threatened. They can sting multiple times, with females having the stinging ability. Stings deliver venom causing pain and allergic reactions in humans. Unlike bees, stinging does not result in death for downy yellowjacket, allowing repeated defense.

More Effects of Downy yellowjacket

Beneficial Effects of Downy yellowjacket
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Downy 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, pollen is transferred, facilitating the fertilization of plants. This incidental yet vital role contributes to the biodiversity of ecosystems.
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