Vespoidea
- Pronunciation
- /ves-POY-dee-uh/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Vespoidea
- Plural
- Vespoidea
Definition
A superfamily of wasps that includes familiar species such as yellowjackets, hornets, and paper wasps. This group is known for its social behavior and complex nesting structures.
Full guide
Read the full Vespoidea guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
From Latin 'vespa', meaning 'wasp', and the suffix '-oidea', indicating a family or group.
Example
Species within the Vespoidea superfamily are known for their eusocial colonies with a division of labor.
Synonyms
- Vespid wasps
Related Terms
- Hymenoptera
- Eusociality
- Nest
- Colony
Usage Notes
This superfamily includes both social and some solitary wasps, although it is most famous for its social species.