Vespinae, Vespidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta, Arthropoda, Animalia
Matthew P. Kweskin
2 Feb 1997
Common Name- The forest yellowjacket
Identification- V. acadica is black with yellow markings. The underside of its scape is yellow, as opposed to all black. The apex of the middle black region of the second gastral tergum is pointed; this differentiates this species from V. atropilosa which has this middle black region of tergum two rounded.
Geography- The occurence of V. acadica is limited to North America, where it has a transcontinental boreal distribution. On the Pacific coast, it is found from Alaska to southern California. It is also found in the Southwest U.S. and the central and northern part of the East coast of the U.S.
Natural History (Akre et al., 1980)- This species is primarily a forest species. It typically has ground nests, but aerial nests are known. The nests are defended aggressively. They feed mostly on live prey.
Page author: Matthew P. Kweskin kweskm@evergreen.edu
Last modified: 2 Feb 1997