Common wasp vs Eastern yellowjacket
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common wasp from a eastern yellowjacket, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Eastern yellowjacket
Vespula maculifrons
≠The key differences
Very similar in appearance; subtle differences in abdominal markings and geographic range help distinguish species, often requiring expert examination.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common wasp | Eastern yellowjacket | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Stinging wasp |
| Size | Workers 10-16 mm; queens up to 20 mm | 10-16 mm body length (workers); queens larger, up to about 20 mm |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Brown (eyes/legs) | Yellow, Black |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, gardens, parks, urban areas; nests in cavities, attics, wall voids, under sheds, compost heaps or underground | Edges of woods, fields, suburban areas; nests in underground cavities (rodent burrows, soil cavities), wall voids and occasionally above ground in sheltered sites |
| Range | Native across much of Europe and temperate Asia; introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and other regions | Eastern North America — broadly across eastern United States and adjacent southern Canada |
| Active | Spring to autumn; most active in summer and late summer afternoons | Spring through fall; peak activity in mid to late summer and early autumn; active during daylight |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍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 eastern yellowjacket
- Stocky yellow-and-black wasp with alternating abdominal bands and distinctive dorsal markings on the abdomen.
- Body length about 10-16 mm for workers; queens noticeably larger.
- Nests typically underground in cavities or rodent burrows; watch for wasps flying directly to and from a small ground entrance.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common wasp and a eastern yellowjacket?
Very similar in appearance; subtle differences in abdominal markings and geographic range help distinguish species, often requiring expert examination.
Is a common wasp or a eastern yellowjacket more dangerous?
Common wasp: Painful sting. Eastern yellowjacket: Stinging wasp. Workers can deliver painful stings repeatedly; stings cause local pain, swelling and redness. Workers can sting repeatedly and defend nests aggressively.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.