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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Trees and shrubs > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - Under 3/4 inch long > Yellowjackets

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Yellowjackets

Vespula and Dolichovespula spp.

Yellowjacket

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension


Description: 3/8 - 5/8 inch long. Shiny, smooth black coloration with bright yellow stripes and few hairs. Narrow wings when at rest over body.

Where/When: Produce paper nests on a wide variety of horizontal surfaces including branches of trees. Can also be associated with honeydew, a sugary waste product of aphids and soft scales. Present spring through fall.

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