Common wasp vs Western yellowjacket
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common wasp from a western yellowjacket, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Western yellowjacket
Vespula pensylvanica
≠The key differences
Very similar in pattern; Vespula vulgaris has subtle differences in facial and abdominal markings that require close inspection or expert identification. Geographic range overlap varies.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common wasp | Western yellowjacket | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Painful sting |
| Size | Workers 10-16 mm; queens up to 20 mm | 10-16 mm (workers); queens larger, up to 18-20 mm |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Brown (eyes/legs) | Yellow, Black, Dark brown |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, gardens, parks, urban areas; nests in cavities, attics, wall voids, under sheds, compost heaps or underground | Open and semi-open habitats, urban areas, orchards, gardens, forest edges; nests are usually underground in abandoned rodent burrows, sometimes in wall voids, hollow logs or other cavities |
| Range | Native across much of Europe and temperate Asia; introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and other regions | Native to western North America (British Columbia to Baja California, east to parts of the Rocky Mountains); introduced and invasive in Hawaii and some other Pacific islands |
| Active | Spring to autumn; most active in summer and late summer afternoons | Spring to autumn in temperate zones; year-round activity possible in warm climates. Mostly active during daylight hours. |
| 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 western yellowjacket
- Robust wasp 10-16 mm with bold alternating black and yellow bands on the abdomen
- Face and thorax marked with yellow and black, with a complete yellow ring around each eye; stout, compact body compared with long-bodied paper wasps
- Nests usually underground in rodent burrows, sometimes in wall voids or other cavities; enclosed papery nest rarely exposed
- Behavior: flies rapidly and gleans food from surfaces; frequently seen at human food and trash
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common wasp and a western yellowjacket?
Very similar in pattern; Vespula vulgaris has subtle differences in facial and abdominal markings that require close inspection or expert identification. Geographic range overlap varies.
Is a common wasp or a western yellowjacket more dangerous?
Common wasp: Painful sting. Western yellowjacket: Painful sting. Workers can deliver painful stings repeatedly; stings cause local pain, swelling and redness. Western yellowjackets can deliver painful stings and workers can sting multiple times.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.