Vespula intermedia

(Buysson, 1905)

Northern Red-banded Yellowjacket, American red-banded yellowjacket

Vespula intermedia is a rare social in the Vespidae, described by Robert du Buysson in 1905. Its taxonomic status remains uncertain; it was previously listed as a synonym of Vespula rufa, but entomologists are divided on this classification. The species is native to northern regions of North America, with records from northern Canada, Maine, and Alaska. It is poorly known compared to more common yellowjacket species, with only 47 observations documented on iNaturalist as of the source date.

Vespula intermedia by (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Muir. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vespula intermedia: /ˈvɛspjʊlə ˌɪntərˈmiːdiə/

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Identification

The is distinguished by the "red-banded yellowjacket," suggesting reddish banding on the , though specific diagnostic features are not documented in available sources. Differentiation from Vespula rufa and other yellowjacket species requires expert examination; no clear morphological criteria are established in accessible literature.

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Distribution

Northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick), Maine, and parts of Alaska.

Similar Taxa

Vespula rufaV. intermedia was previously listed as a synonym of this , and taxonomic confusion persists between the two; they may be or closely related sister species requiring detailed study to distinguish.

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The classification of V. intermedia remains unresolved. It was treated as a synonym of Vespula rufa, but available sources indicate no clear evidence supports this placement, with mixed opinions among entomologists regarding its status as a distinct .

Rarity and Data Deficiency

With only 47 observations recorded on iNaturalist, this is among the least documented yellowjackets in North America. Its rarity may reflect genuine scarcity, restricted requirements, or undercollection due to its remote northern distribution.