Jon D
Junior Member
Posts: 22
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Post by Jon D on Oct 3, 2021 11:32:12 GMT -8
I already know that the insect on the right is the European hornet, but what about the one on the left side? This one has me a bit stumped. It appears much redder in sunlight than the Euro and mainly seems to be flying and hovering close to the ground. I am near Philadelphia, PA. Thank you.  |
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Post by trehopr1 on Oct 3, 2021 12:32:08 GMT -8
The one on the left is the (queen) version of Vespula squamosa (Southern yellowjacket).
The worker caste of this species lacks the orange color of the queen caste.
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Post by trehopr1 on Oct 3, 2021 12:38:19 GMT -8
Actually quite a few different native species of Vespula (Yellowjacket) are present in the eastern half of the United States.
The German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) is an invasive non-native species which is what most people encounter and is said to be replacing some of our native yellowjackets because of its aggressiveness and adaptability.
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Jon D
Junior Member
Posts: 22
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Post by Jon D on Oct 5, 2021 10:40:33 GMT -8
Thanks for your fast response, trehopr1. I actually suspected that's what it was (Southern Yellowjacket queen), but wasn't quite certain. Since that encounter and photo op, I have seen at least three or four others very often flying close to the ground. I find it a bit odd to see actual queens doing this though as I thought that most stayed in the nest. Maybe the time of the year? I do know that the worker Euro hornets essentially become scavengers during this time and are more often seen, but not sure about the queen Yellowjacket.
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Post by trehopr1 on Oct 5, 2021 16:25:55 GMT -8
The Queens for the next year are out and about now as they are produced (along with drones) near the end of the season.
They are out now scavenging for some protein reserves to last the winter; while at the same time looking for sheltered places to hold up for the winter.
With the warmth of spring they emerge from their sheltered hideaways and then seek out ideal locations to make their new nests.
To the best of my knowledge most yellow jacket species tend to make their nests in the ground. They start out by utilizing vacated mouse nests and the like...
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