Wasps
Scientific Name: Hymenoptera
Average Size: 1 inch
Common species: Paper wasps, hornets, Yellow-jackets
Commonly Found: In or near their nests, which they build in the ground or suspending from trees, overhangs, gutters, eaves, etc.
Diet: Insects, spiders, dead animals, fruit, nectar, human food.
General Characteristics and facts:
- The most common colors are bright yellow with black, and all black. (Colors vary depending on species).
- They have long slender bodies with very long legs and transparent wings.
- They communicate through pheromones, and can emit a chemical when stinging, to signal other wasps to attack.
- Threatened or dying wasps are more prone to sting.
- Unlike bees, wasps can sting more than once.
- Though painful and irritating, a common wasp sting is not poisonous or life-threatening.