The Hornet Of Texas, The Yellowjacket
Appearance:
- Yellowjackets are typically black and yellow, with a well-defined pattern
- Possess a slender waist, unlike bees, and are more elongated in shape
- Adult workers measure about 10 to 16 mm in length
Habitat:
- Build nests in underground burrows, trees, bushes, or man-made structures
- Create nests from paper-like material created by chewing wood and mixing it with saliva
- Colonies range from a few hundred to several thousand individuals
Diet:
- Carnivorous feeders on insects, spiders, and other arthropods
- Attracted to sweet substances including nectar, fruits, and sugary drinks
- Adult workers forage to feed developing larvae
Stings:
- Deliver painful stings; some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions
- Release alarm pheromones when threatened to recruit colony defense
- Can sting repeatedly, unlike honey bees
