In the wasp family there are hundreds of species spread all over the world, most of which are predators. Among the most common types of Vespids are the hornets, the Germanic vespula and the cartonaia. To try to identify the various species, look at their colors, shapes and nesting habits; recognizing some typical differences between wasps and bees can help you tell them apart. This article does not address the topic of parasitoid wasps, which are very small and are more easily distinguished by experts.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Physical Characteristics
Step 1. Look at the yellow and black colors
You can recognize the Germanic vespula and the cartonaia by the black and yellow bands that cover the entire abdomen. The cicada killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus) is a type of burrowing wasp that resembles the Germanic but is larger and wider. You can recognize the European hornet by its black and yellow striped tail and red-brown chest; the mason wasp is also black and yellow.
Note that this species can be metallic black or blue-black, as can the Pompilids (including the pepsis wasp)
Step 2. Recognize wasps of other colors
That North American paperboard is gold-brown in color with red and yellow spots; you can distinguish it from the white hornet because the latter is precisely white with black stripes and a white muzzle. Also locate the digger wasp, which has an orange-brown, yellow, black body and metallic blue wings.
The velvet ants (Mutillidae), despite the name are real black wasps, hairy but wingless with red, yellow, orange or white body parts
Step 3. Examine the size of the insects
Germanic vespules are generally 13 mm long. Otherwise, white hornets usually reach 2-3 cm in length; European hornets (Vespa cabro) are 19-35 mm long; the pepsis wasps are considerably longer (2.5 to 6.5 cm), while the cicada killer wasp is on average 3.8 cm long. The paper wasp and the mason wasp are usually 13-19 mm long.
Step 4. Observe the shape of the body
With rare exceptions - for example the European hornet - wasps can be recognized as having a smooth, hairless body and a narrow waist. Learn to recognize the Germanic vespula with its short, narrow waist and cone-shaped abdomen that becomes thinner and thinner reducing to a sharp point. Paper wasps have particularly long legs and a spindle-shaped waist; those bricklayers have a long, slim body and a very tight waist.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Habitats
Step 1. Look for paper-like nests
The Germanic vespula, the paper box and the hornet, unlike the bee that builds nests of wax, uses paper and its own saliva to create the refuge. You can find Germanic vespule nests in crevices and cavities, while hornets prefer to dwell in trees, shrubs and under eaves; paper wasps also build their nests under eaves and overhanging portions of roofs, but leave the top open.
Step 2. Recognize the nest of a mason wasp
In this case, you need to look for cylindrical, tube-like structures made from mud. You can find them along the walls of buildings, in attics, under porches and carports, garden furniture and under unused equipment. You should also see cocoon-like nests near drinking fountains, pools of water, near the shore of ponds and on well-watered lawns - all areas where insects can collect a lot of mud.
Step 3. Look for burrowing wasp burrows in the ground
Observe the presence of holes with the diameter of a pencil in well-drained and sandy soils; you should also notice little vegetation all around the burrow opening, which is usually facing direct sunlight.
Method 3 of 3: Distinguish Wasps from Bees
Step 1. Look at the physical characteristics
Check the waist size; that of the wasps is thin, while the width of the body of the bees remains constant from head to tail. Next, look for the presence of fluff; as mentioned above, most wasps are smooth, while bees are hairier because they have to retain pollen. Finally, consider the length of the insect; wasps are usually longer than most bees.
Step 2. Inspect the color
Generally, these two insects sport the same livery, but the wasps have colors and a graphic pattern more clear than the bees; the more vivid shades are typical of wasps, the more dull and opaque ones are peculiarities of bees.
Step 3. Pay attention to food
Wasps eat other insects; in particular, the Germanic vespula is a scavenger and you can notice that it eats or searches for food and waste from human beings. Otherwise, bees feed on pollen and nectar.
