Yellow Jackets

Order/family: Hymenoptera/Vespidae

Scientific Name: Vespula spp.

Description: Yellow jackets have typical wasp-type body that features a very distinct head with chewing mouthparts, shortened elbowed antennae, and large compound eyes,. The thorax and abdomen are brightly marked wit yellow on a black background. They have 4 clear or smokey-brown wings and a short, narrow attachment between the thorax and the abdomen. The abdomen is spindle-shaped and tipped with a long. stinger. Yellow jackets are marked with bright yellow and black stripes. They appear hairless and are about 3/8” to 5/8” long