California Yellowjacket

Vespula sulphurea

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vespula sulphurea: /vɛsˈpuː.la sʌlˈfjʊə.rɪə/

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

Summary

Vespula sulphurea, the California yellowjacket, is a species of wasp in the Vespidae family, mostly found in California's Upper Sonoran fauna but also present in nearby states. The species nests underground and is typically not common, posing little threat to humans.

Physical Characteristics

Queens, workers, and males exhibit sexual dimorphism, although specific physical descriptions are lacking.

Identification Tips

Consult the Identification Atlas of the Vespidae of the Northeastern Nearctic Region for keys to species identification.

Habitat

Typically found in underground nests within the Upper Sonoran fauna of California.

Distribution

Restricted to California, with occurrences in southern Oregon, western Nevada, southern Arizona, and northern Baja California.

Diet

Feeds on plants including fennel, California figwort, and chaparral broom; it may also contribute to pollination.

Predators

California scrub jay and spiders of the Peucetia genus are known predators.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a pollinator while feeding on various plants; part of the food web as prey for birds and spiders.

Economic Impact

This species is not known to cause nuisance to humans.

Health Concerns

Not known to pose health risks or cause nuisance to people.

Misconceptions

Not commonly encountered or regarded as a nuisance wasp like other yellowjackets.