The Hornet Of Texas, The "Yellowjacket"

  • Appearance:
  • Yellowjackets are typically black and yellow, with a well-defined pattern on their bodies.
  • They have a slender waist, unlike bees, and are more elongated in shape.
  • Adult workers measure about 10 to 16 mm in length.
  • Habitat:
  • Yellowjackets build nests in a variety of locations, including underground burrows, in trees, bushes, or man-made structures.
  • The nests are typically made of paper-like material created by chewing wood and mixing it with saliva.
  • Colonies can range in size from a few hundred to several thousand individuals.
  • Diet:
  • Yellowjackets are carnivores, feeding on insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
  • They are also attracted to sweet substances, such as nectar, fruits, and sugary drinks.
  • Adult workers forage for food to feed developing larvae.
  • Stings:
  • Yellowjackets can deliver painful stings, and some individuals may be allergic, experiencing severe reactions.
  • When threatened, yellowjackets release alarm pheromones that can attract other colony members to defend the nest.
  • Unlike honey bees, yellowjackets can sting repeatedly.