German Wasp
Vespula germanica
This record describes Vespula germanica (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in appearance to the Common Wasp, though very slightly bigger. The best way of telling them apart is by looking at the face - there are usually three small black spots (rarely one). The top spot may be merged into a vertical bar. It is never anchor-shaped as it is in case of the Common Wasp. The antennae are black right down at the base. The thoracic stripes usually bulge in the middle and there are four yellow spots at the rear of the thorax. As well as the face pattern, there are two other features that help to identify the German Wasp and to separate it from the Common Wasp: The nest is like that of the Common Wasp but greyish in colour. It is normally made underground in an abandoned mouse nest or even a mole hill. Construction of the nest often starts as early as mid April. The nests can become very large with thousands of individuals and, unusually, may have more than one entrance. Common in Britain particularly in the south of England.
Wikipedia reference for Vespula germanica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespula_germanica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Vespinae
- Genus
- Vespula (Ground Yellowjackets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Almost anywhere.
Seasonal Activity
April/May to September/October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The nest is like that of the Common Wasp but greyish in colour. It is normally made underground in an abandoned mouse nest or even a mole hill. Construction of the nest often starts as early as mid April. The nests can become very large with thousands of individuals and, unusually, may have more than one entrance.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in Britain particularly in the south of England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Vespula germanica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of German Wasp (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About German Wasp
What is German Wasp?
German Wasp (Vespula germanica) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is German Wasp found?
Habitat: Almost anywhere.
When is German Wasp active?
German Wasp: seasonal activity - April/May to September/October..
What is the life cycle of a German Wasp?
The nest is like that of the Common Wasp but greyish in colour. It is normally made underground in an abandoned mouse nest or even a mole hill. Construction of the nest often starts as early as mid April. The nests can become very large with thousands of individuals and, unusually, may have more than one entrance.