Vespidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Vespidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vespidae: //ˈvɛspɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ancistrocerus adiabatus abadiatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Vespa luctuosa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cephalodynerus deformiceps by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Antepipona brunnipes javana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus biphaleratus triphaleratus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Vespidae is a large and diverse family of wasps, encompassing nearly all known eusocial wasps and many solitary wasps. They play significant roles in ecosystems as predators and pollinators.

Physical Characteristics

Mandibles with a cutting/chewing surface near the apex rather than along the inner margin. Nests constructed out of mud, plant fibers, or chewed material that resembles paper.

Identification Tips

Social vespids can be distinguished from nonsocial ones by their mandible structure and social behavior.

Habitat

Found in diverse habitats worldwide, with nests built in various sheltered locations depending on species.

Distribution

Approximately 5,000 species in around 270 genera globally, with around 300 species across 36 genera in specific areas (like Northeastern US).

Diet

Eumeninae, Euparagiinae, and Masarinae feed on pollen and nectar; Polistinae and Vespinae collect various arthropods and carrion for their young, which are then premasticated and fed to the larvae.

Life Cycle

In temperate social species, colonies last usually one year, dying at winter's onset. New queens and drones produced late summer; queens hibernate during winter.

Reproduction

Eusocial species have a queen and multiple female workers with varying degrees of sterility; solitary species may have varying reproductive strategies.

Ecosystem Role

Potential or effective pollinators for several plant species and predators of pest insect species; some species can be invasive pests.

Collecting Methods

Netting
Bait trapping

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Ethanol preservation
Heat fixation

Evolution

Fossils known from the Early Cretaceous period; evolutionary history includes both solitary and social forms.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some species are often mistakenly considered pests while others provide important ecological services as pollinators and pest predators.