🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Saxon Wasp

Dolichovespula saxonica

About 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.

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Did You Know?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.

How to Identify Saxon Wasp

Saxon Wasp (Dolichovespula saxonica) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 12-18 mm.

Saxon Wasp Habitat

Saxon Wasp is found in underground habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Saxon Wasp Diet and Feeding

Saxon Wasp is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Saxon Wasp Found?

Saxon Wasp can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Saxon Wasp can be found

Is Saxon Wasp Dangerous?

Saxon Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Saxon Wasp Role in Nature

Saxon Wasp serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Saxon Wasp

What does Saxon Wasp look like?

The Saxon Wasp typically measures 12-18 mm.

Where is Saxon Wasp found?

The Saxon Wasp is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Saxon Wasp eat?

The Saxon Wasp is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Saxon Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Saxon Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Saxon Wasp?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Saxon Wasp (Dolichovespula saxonica). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/saxon-wasp

MLA:
"Saxon Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/saxon-wasp.