Common Yellowjacket vs Saxon Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Yellowjacket | Saxon Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vespula vulgaris | Dolichovespula saxonica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Australasia | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Common Yellowjacket
An aggressive social wasp with bold black and yellow markings that builds large underground paper nests. Workers are voracious predators of garden pest insects including caterpillars and flies.
Did You Know?
A single colony can consume an estimated 2 kg of insects over a summer, providing significant pest control.
Saxon Wasp
A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.
Did You Know?
It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.