Live-prey-specialist
Guides
Vespula acadica
Forest Yellowjacket
Vespula acadica is a North American eusocial wasp in the Vespula rufa group, commonly known as the forest yellowjacket. It is distinguished by its preference for forested habitats and arboreal nesting sites, typically building nests in decaying vegetation such as logs and leaf piles rather than in human structures. The species exhibits relatively small colony sizes compared to other yellowjackets, with annual nests containing 75–400 workers. While generally avoiding human contact due to its habitat preferences, workers can be aggressive and persistent when colonies are disturbed, delivering repeated stings.