Western Yellowjacket vs North American Hide Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Yellowjacket | North American Hide Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vespula pensylvanica | Trox scaber |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Trogidae |
| Size | 11-16 mm | 5-9 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America from Alaska to Mexico | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
North American Hide Beetle
A small, oval, grayish-brown beetle with heavily sculptured elytra covered in rows of bumps and encrusted soil. It specializes in consuming dried keratin-rich animal remains. Found in owl pellets, bird nests, and old carcasses.
Did You Know?
Forensic entomologists use the presence of hide beetles to estimate time since death in very old remains.