European wasp

Vespula germanica

Bug Life Introduced IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Body yellow with black triangular markings and paired black spots on the abdomen. Wings transparent, legs yellow and antennae black European Wasps form colonies and build round, grey paper nests. The workers feed on nectar and collect protein-rich foods to feed to the larvae. The queens hibernate through winter and may be found in curtain folds in homes.

Warning:Painful sting, sometimes causing allergic reaction. This species likes to enter open drink cans

Size

Can grow to around 20mm

Habitat

Urban areas, forests, woodlands, heaths.

Distribution

Now known from WA to NSW including in Tasmania where it was first discovered in 1959

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Australian Museum (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) © Reiner Richter

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.