Animal Profiles
Insects

Wasp

Hymenoptera

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Wasps include solitary and social hunters. This account follows the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), a familiar social species of temperate Eurasian habitats.

Vespula vulgaris, the representative described in this account.

Vespula vulgaris, the representative described in this account.

Magne Flåten · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Common wasps use varied temperate habitats.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Workers capture insects and spiders to feed the larvae, while adults also use sugary liquids.

Classification

Common name
Wasp
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Hymenoptera
Taxon rank
order
Order
Hymenoptera
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a social wasp.
  • Wood fibres form the nest.
  • Workers bring animal prey to larvae.

Habitat and range

Common wasps use varied temperate habitats. Colonies often nest underground, but sheltered spaces in buildings can also hold nests. This account focuses on the Eurasian species described by the source.

Appearance and adaptations

Black-and-yellow adults have a narrow waist and two pairs of wings. The paperlike nest is built from chewed wood fibres and contains cells for developing young.

Diet and behaviour

Workers capture insects and spiders to feed the larvae, while adults also use sugary liquids. A colony divides reproduction, nest building and food gathering between the queen and workers.

Sources

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