Large Oak Cynipid vs Western Yellowjacket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Oak Cynipid | Western Yellowjacket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cynips quercusfolii | Vespula pensylvanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cynipidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 2.5–4 mm | 11-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western North America from Alaska to Mexico |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Large Oak Cynipid
A gall wasp that induces cherry-sized galls on the undersides of oak leaves. The galls turn from green to red as they mature in autumn.
Did You Know?
The colorful galls were historically known as 'oak cherries' and were sometimes mistaken for real fruit by children.
Western Yellowjacket
The most common yellowjacket in western North America with a distinctive diamond-shaped black mark on its first abdominal segment. It is a frequent uninvited guest at outdoor picnics.
Did You Know?
In Hawaii, where it was accidentally introduced, it has become a serious invasive pest threatening native insects.