Bald-faced Hornet

Dolichovespula maculata is a species of wasp in the genus Dolichovespula and a member of the eusocial, cosmopolitan family Vespidae. It is taxonomically an aerial yellowjacket but is known by many colloquial names, primarily bald-faced hornet, but also including bald-faced aerial yellowjacket, bald-faced wasp, bald hornet, white-faced hornet, blackjacket, white-tailed hornet, spruce wasp, naked brink, and bull wasp. Technically a species of yellowjacket wasp, it is not one of the true hornets, which are in the genus Vespa. Colonies contain 400 to 700 workers, the largest recorded colony size in its genus, Dolichovespula. It builds a characteristic large hanging paper nest up to 58 cm (23 in) in length. Workers aggressively defend their nest by repeatedly stinging invaders. Scientific Name: Dolichovespula maculata Range: North America Size: 12–19 mm Status: Native ID Notes: Black with bold white markings on face, thorax, and end of abdomen. NOT a true hornet — actually a large yellowjacket. Behavior / Notes: Builds large gray paper nests in trees and shrubs. Aggressive defenders. Can sting repeatedly.