American Red-banded Yellowjacket

Vespula intermedia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Vespinae
Genus: Vespula
Species: intermedia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vespula intermedia: /ˈvɛspjʊlə ˌɪntərˈmiːdiə/

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Summary

Vespula intermedia is a rare species of wasp, distinct from Vespula rufa, with a specific distribution across northern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. It has been studied for its taxonomic status and ecological role within its habitat.

Physical Characteristics

Vespula intermedia exhibits the characteristic yellow and black banding of yellowjackets, with a distinct red band across the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made using the color pattern and key features outlined in the Identification Atlas of the Vespidae, particularly comparing it to other Vespula species in the northeastern Nearctic.

Habitat

This species inhabits forested regions and areas with abundant vegetation in northern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.

Distribution

Native to northern Canada, Maine, and parts of Alaska. Canadian provinces include Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Diet

Vespula intermedia is a carnivorous species, primarily feeding on insects and other arthropods, but may also scavenge for sugary substances.

Life Cycle

Detailed life cycle information is not specified, but like other Vespula species, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Queens are responsible for reproduction, typically establishing a nest in the spring and laying fertilized eggs, which develop into workers, and later in the season, into new queens and males.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator of other insects, it plays a role in controlling pest populations.

Evolution

Previously treated as a synonym of Vespula rufa, it was recognized as a distinct species due to taxonomic revisions by Kimsey & Carpenter in 2012.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There has been confusion regarding its synonymy with Vespula rufa, leading to mixed opinions about its classification.