Common wasp vs Blue-winged scoliid wasp
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common wasp from a blue-winged scoliid wasp, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Blue-winged scoliid wasp
Scolia dubia
≠The key differences
Yellowjackets are social, have narrow waists and bold yellow-and-black markings; Scolia dubia is solitary, stouter, and has a dark body with a reddish-brown, yellow-spotted rear abdomen and blue-tinged wings.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common wasp | Blue-winged scoliid wasp | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Painful sting |
| Size | Workers 10-16 mm; queens up to 20 mm | About 15-20 mm body length |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Brown (eyes/legs) | Black, Reddish orange, Iridescent blue (wings) |
| Family | Vespidae | Scoliidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, gardens, parks, urban areas; nests in cavities, attics, wall voids, under sheds, compost heaps or underground | Open, sunny habitats with flowers and loose or sandy soils: lawns, pastures, gardens, meadows and edges of woodlands. |
| Range | Native across much of Europe and temperate Asia; introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and other regions | Widespread in eastern and central North America and parts of the western United States; records extend through southern Canada to the southern United States. |
| Active | Spring to autumn; most active in summer and late summer afternoons | Late spring to early fall (varies by region); adults are diurnal and most active on warm sunny days. |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a common wasp
- Yellow and black banded abdomen with compact, stocky body and elbowed antennae
- Size: workers about 10-16 mm; queens noticeably larger
- Facial and abdominal pattern differences from similar species (see similar species)
🔍How to spot a blue-winged scoliid wasp
- Look for a compact, robust wasp with a black body, the rear half of the abdomen reddish-brown and two bright yellow spots on it.
- Wings are dark with a distinctive blue to blue-black iridescent sheen in sunlight.
- Females often seen on ground searching for grubs; adults commonly visit flowers during the day.
- No large social nest or paper combs nearby — solitary behavior (no colony nest material).
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common wasp and a blue-winged scoliid wasp?
Yellowjackets are social, have narrow waists and bold yellow-and-black markings; Scolia dubia is solitary, stouter, and has a dark body with a reddish-brown, yellow-spotted rear abdomen and blue-tinged wings.
Is a common wasp or a blue-winged scoliid wasp more dangerous?
Common wasp: Painful sting. Blue-winged scoliid wasp: Painful sting. Workers can deliver painful stings repeatedly; stings cause local pain, swelling and redness. Scolia dubia is capable of stinging.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.