What is the Difference Between Yellow Jacket and Wasp?

Yellow jackets and wasps are both members of the Hymenoptera order, but they have some differences in appearance, behavior, and aggression levels. Here are the key differences between yellow jackets and wasps:

1. Appearance: Yellow jackets have shorter and thicker bodies than paper wasps, with black antennae. In contrast, paper wasps have slender, segmented bodies with a thin waist and orange-tipped antennae.
2. Flight: When flying, yellow jackets tuck their legs under their bodies, while paper wasps dangle their long legs.
3. Nests: Yellow jackets build their nests out of reconstituted wood pulp, similar to paper wasps. However, yellow jacket colonies and nests tend to be much larger than paper wasp colonies, containing up to 15,000 individual yellow jackets.
4. Aggression: Yellow jackets are more aggressive than paper wasps and are more likely to sting. Paper wasps are generally docile and avoid humans, stinging only when their nest is disturbed. Yellow jackets, on the other hand, are easily agitated and quick to sting.
5. Feeding: Both yellow jackets and wasps are predators that feed on other insects. However, yellow jackets are also attracted to human garbage, particularly sugary or protein-rich foods.

Comparative Table: Yellow Jacket vs Wasp

Here is a table comparing the differences between yellow jackets and wasps:

Despite their similarities, yellow jackets are more closely related to wasps than bees. They are smaller, brighter, and more aggressive than their wasp counterparts. Yellow jackets are also known to be more attracted to human food sources, while wasps are more likely to visit flowers for pollination.