Description

Body length 11 - 19mm. Vespula vulgaris can be difficult to separate from the very similar V. germanica. V. vulgaris has a black 'anchor' shape on its face, while V. germanica has three black dots between the eyes, but both of these features can be variable. V. vulgaris has yellow cheeks with a black patch, while V. germanica has yellow cheeks without the black patch.

Habitat

Parks, gardens, woodlands and hedgerows and sometimes enters houses.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to November.