Blackjacket
Vespula consobrina
This record describes Vespula consobrina (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
A species of forests. Nests are subterranean, typically in rodent burrows. May be above ground in logs, rock cavities, walls of houses. Nests are small, usually less than 100 workers.
Geographic Range
Northern, including much of Canada but not reaching Alaska. Coastal in the western USA reaching southern California, south in the mountains in the east.
Seasonal Activity
Nests are short-lived with queens and males produced as early as September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feed on sugary substances, otherwise feed on live prey only.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The specific name consobrina is Latin for a maternal first cousin (feminine), probably in reference to the close relationship to Vespula rufa , with which V. consobrina was once considered conspecific.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Vespula consobrina. 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 Blackjacket (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Matthias Buck , Ben Coulter , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjacket
How big is Blackjacket?
Queens about 17 mm, males 15-16 mm, workers 10-12 mm
Where is Blackjacket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A species of forests. Nests are subterranean, typically in rodent burrows. May be above ground in logs, rock cavities, walls of houses. Nests are small, usually less than 100 workers. |
| Range | Northern, including much of Canada but not reaching Alaska. Coastal in the western USA reaching southern California, south in the mountains in the east. |
What does Blackjacket eat?
The diet of the Blackjacket includes Feed on sugary substances, otherwise feed on live prey only..
When is Blackjacket active?
Blackjacket: seasonal activity - Nests are short-lived with queens and males produced as early as September.