Tree Wasp
Dolichovespula sylvestris
This record describes Dolichovespula sylvestris (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Length 22 mm. The face of this species is usually clear yellow with one dot. |
| Antennae | Antennae yellow right at the base. |
| Thorax | Thorax with hairs at the sides and two yellow spots at the rear. Can be very aggressive. It builds its nest in trees and bushes as well as underground. Adults forage flowers such as Wild Angelica, Water Figwort and Rosebay Willowherb. Locally common and fairly widespread throughout Britain. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Dolichovespula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and meadows.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Can be very aggressive. It builds its nest in trees and bushes as well as underground. Adults forage flowers such as Wild Angelica, Water Figwort and Rosebay Willowherb.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally common and fairly widespread throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dolichovespula sylvestris. 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 Tree Wasp (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Wasp
What is Tree Wasp?
Tree Wasp (Dolichovespula sylvestris) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Tree Wasp?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 22 mm. The face of this species is usually clear yellow with one dot. |
| Antennae | Antennae yellow right at the base. |
| Thorax | Thorax with hairs at the sides and two yellow spots at the rear. |
Where is Tree Wasp found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and meadows.
When is Tree Wasp active?
Tree Wasp: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Tree Wasp?
Can be very aggressive. It builds its nest in trees and bushes as well as underground. Adults forage flowers such as Wild Angelica, Water Figwort and Rosebay Willowherb.