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Common wasp

Common wasp

Vespula vulgaris

A species of Ground yellowjackets, Also known as Common european wasp, European wasp, Yellow jacket

The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) is otherwise known as the common yellow-jacket. Despite what the name may make you believe, these industrious insects will look for a free space in a rock crevice, mammal hole, or tree to build its paper nests. This makes them pretty extraordinary, as these nests can host several thousand larvae. Queens can go through a long process in finding the perfect nest.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Common wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Common wasp
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Attributes of Common wasp
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
prairie; grassland; forest; shrub land; garden; orchard; building
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, fruits, insects, human food waste, sugary secretions
Larva Food Source
Insect larvae, caterpillars, aphids, spiders, other arthropods
Biting/stinging
The Common wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Common wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Common 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
Pollinator
The Common wasp 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
Not reported
Predatory
The Common wasp 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 Common wasp
It is a Palearctic species. It was discovered in a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and China. It is invasive in New Zealand and Australia.
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Distribution Area of Common wasp
Wales, Scotland, Ireland
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Appearance of Common wasp
Adult workers of Vespula vulgaris measure about 1.2 - 1.7 cm from head to abdomen, whereas the queen is about 2 cm long. It has aposematic colors of black and yellow; yellow pronotal bands which are almost parallel to each other and black dots and rings on its abdomen.
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How to Identify Common wasp?

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Life Cycle of Common wasp
Egg At this initial stage, the common wasp is an egg, which is usually oval and minuscule. Laid by the female common wasp, the eggs are often deposited in a protected location or on a food source suitable for the larvae.
Larva Upon hatching from the egg, the larva resembles a worm rather than the adult common wasp. It is elongated, legless, and typically whitish, with a voracious appetite catered to by adult common wasps, and undergoes several molts, increasing in size each time.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common 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. The coloration often includes black and yellow patterns, which serve as a warning for potential predators.
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Adult Size of Common wasp
1.2 - 2 cm
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Predators of Common wasp Larvae
Birds, rodents, various arthropods including other insect predators like beetles, social wasps
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Predators of Adult Common wasp
Birds, reptiles, amphibians, assorted arthropods, small mammals
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Interesting Facts About Common wasp
The common wasp possess an intricate facial recognition system, allowing them to distinguish between individual members within their colony.
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Scientific Classification of Common wasp
Tips for Finding Common wasp
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Youth Habitat of Common wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Common wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Common wasp
To attract common wasp, one may use sweet liquids, proteins like fish or meat, or commercial wasp attractants.
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Habitat Preferences of Common wasp Through Different Life Stages
The nests of common wasp during their larval stage can commonly be found underground, in cavities such as old rodent burrows or beneath dense vegetation cover. To locate these nests, one might observe the workers' flight paths, which tend to be straight and directed, leading to and from the nest site. The adult common wasp are typically found in various outdoor environments such as gardens, picnic areas, and other places with accessible food sources, especially sweets and meats. When searching for adult common wasp, look around flowering plants, refuse bins, or leftover food where they forage for nutrients.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common wasp
The best time to find adult common wasp is typically late spring to early fall, as this is when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common wasp
Sunny and warm days are the best weather conditions to find N as they are less active during cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Common wasp at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of common wasp are laid by the queen inside the nest cells. Locating a nest is key. They are typically found in sheltered spots with easy outside access. Look for them in places such as roof eaves, wall cavities, or underground holes.
Larva Larvae of common wasp reside in the nest and are cared for by worker wasps. To find larvae, you must locate an active nest as described for the egg stage and then observe the larvae within the individual hexagonal comb cells.
Pupal Pupae of common wasp are sealed inside their cells within the nest, undergoing metamorphosis. Finding pupae entails the same approach as finding larvae—locating and inspecting the inside of the nest without disturbing or breaking it.
Adult Common wasp adults can be found near flowers, garbage bins, or any place where there is food, particularly sweets or proteins. Setting up traps with suitable bait or spotting them flying around are effective ways to find adult wasps safely.
Are Common wasp harmful?
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The common wasp 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.

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Are Common 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 Common 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

Common wasp is known for its venomous sting which serves as a defense mechanism against threats. The venom contains neurotoxins that can lead to pain, inflammation, and mild to moderate toxicity in humans. While typical encounters result in temporary discomfort, multiple stings can provoke more severe symptoms and complications, particularly from the cumulative effect of the venom's toxic substances.

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Toxic to Animals

Common wasp can cause mild discomfort to various animals through its sting, primarily as an adult. When humans or domestic pets such as dogs and cats encounter common wasp, they may experience pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site. Birds and other flying animals like bees could also be affected by common wasp's defensive tactics. Each animal may react differently to the toxin, but severe reactions are uncommon.

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Does the Common wasp sting humans?

Common wasp sting humans primarily in self-defense or to defend their nest. Stinging typically occurs during human encroachment on their territory. Females possess the stinger, which can be used multiple times, making them more prone to sting during reproductive periods. A sting injects venom causing pain, swelling, and in allergic individuals, severe reactions. Stinging has no fatal physical consequences for common wasp.

More Effects of Common wasp

Beneficial Effects of Common wasp
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common wasp is attracted to flowers primarily by their smell and color. While adults feed on pollen, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen from one flower to another. This accidental pollination helps plants reproduce, although it is not the primary intention of common wasp.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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