Red Wasp
Vespula rufa
This record describes Vespula rufa (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Vespula rufa usually has rufous markings on the first and second abdominal segments (coupled with the pattern of black markings) and these are diagnostic of the species. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Vespula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often seen on flowers.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A ground nesting species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Vespula rufa. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Wasp
What is Red Wasp?
Red Wasp (Vespula rufa) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Red Wasp found?
Habitat: Often seen on flowers.
When is Red Wasp active?
Red Wasp: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Red Wasp?
A ground nesting species.