Vespula vulgaris
| Common wasp | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Suborder: | Apocrita |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Genus: | Vespula |
| Subgenus: | (Paravespula) |
| Species: | V. vulgaris |
| Binomial name | |
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Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Paravespula vulgaris |
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Paravespula vulgaris
Vespula vulgaris, known as the common wasp, is a wasp found in various regions of the world including the United Kingdom, Germany, India, China, New Zealand, and Australia. It is sometimes known as the European wasp; this name is also used for the species Vespula germanica, which is also known as the German wasp. It is also sometimes referred to as the “common yellow-jacket”. It was discovered in 2010 that wasps in North America thought to be Vespula vulgaris are actually a different species, Vespula alascensis.
Vespula vulgaris is an eusocial vespid that builds its grey paper nest in or on a structure capable of supporting it. A foundress queen searches for a hollow tree, wall cavity, rock crevice or even a mammal-made hole to build a nest. One colony cycle lasts for approximately 6–11 months and each colony cycle consists of around 3000~8000 larvae.
The extraordinary adaptation skills of Vespula vulgaris enable it to live in a wide range of habitats, from very humid areas to artificial environments such as gardens and human structures. This species, along with other wasp species such as Vespula germanica, has impacted the eco system, especially those in New Zealand and Australia, where they were imported by humans, and frequently cause damage to fruit crops and endanger humans.
The name Vespula vulgaris comes from the origin of the word 'vulgaris' which means 'common' in Latin, therefore giving the name, the common wasp. This species has many synonyms such as the 'common wasp', 'European wasp', Paravespula vulgaris, or the 'common yellow jacket'. However, a study from 2010 revealed that Vespula vulgaris and the common yellow jacket are actually two different species, the latter known as Vespula alascensis. It is closely related to another wasp species, Vespula austriaca, and is considered a sister group.
Common wasps are colloquially known as "jaspers" in certain regions of England (such as Dorset and Lincolnshire, and more commonly the English Midlands), although it is not clear whether the etymology refers to the Latin name "vespa" or the striped abdomen, which echoes the striped mineral jasper.
Adult workers of Vespula vulgaris measure about 12–17 mm (0.47–0.67 in) from head to abdomen, and have a mass of 84.1±19.0 mg, whereas the queen is about 20 mm (0.79 in) long. It has aposematic colors of black and yellow; yellow pro-notal bands which are almost parallel to each other and black dots and rings on its abdomen. The Vespula vulgaris queens and females appear very similar to the German wasps (or European wasp, Vespula germanica) except when they are seen head on, the Vespula vulgaris face lacks the three black dots of Vespula germanica. Instead, each has only one black mark on its clypeus which is usually anchor-shaped or a dagger-shaped. However, sometimes the identification of this species might be difficult because this black mark on its clypeus can sometimes appear broken, making it again, look extremely similar to Vespula germanica.
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