Common Aerial Yellowjacket
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The Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) derives its name from a mixture of sources.
It's common in the sense that its range extends across much of North America.
Aerial refers to the fact that it traditionally builds above ground nests, like their genus relatives the Bald-faced Hornet, rather than building ground nests like the yellowjackets in the Genus Vespula.
Yellowjacket refers to the color and pattern on the body.
The picture shows a queen in early spring.
On the other hand, the queen of both Vespula vulgaris and Dolichovespula arenaria look very similar, although Vespula vulgaris tend not to have free ranging spots on the abdomen.
Without a picture of the face, the identification needs to be tentative.
© 2010 Patricia A. Michaels