We see a wasp buzzing, and the first thing that comes to mind is trouble. These insects have gotten a very bad rep over the years, leading to many believing that wasps do more harm than good. But when you look beyond the notorious reputation of these bugs, you see that there are many different types of wasps, with each playing a different role in ecosystems. From pest control to pollination, sometimes their roles become indispensable. And understanding them helps us appreciate how vital they are to the balance of nature.
Let’s break down the types of wasps that are the most common in your backyard and discover what makes them stand out.
10 most common types of wasps
Yellow Jacket
Perhaps the most recognized wasp type is the yellow jacket wasps (genus Vespula and Dolichovespula). And perhaps the most likely ones to crash your outdoor picnic. These are social wasps that build underground nests, most commonly in old rodent burrows or wall cavities.
They are known to be super aggressive defenders of their colony and are capable to delivering painful stings multiple times.
While these guys can be super unpleasant as guests, yellow jackets also prey on flies and caterpillars, helping manage pest populations.
Paper wasps
Next on our shortlist is the paper wasp. This is another common type of wasp seen under eaves and tree limbs. Their open, umbrella-shaped nests are easy to spot. Paper wasps are much less aggressive than yellow jackets and mostly attack when they are cornered or to defend their nest.
Paper wasps chew wood fibers to make their papery nests and feed on caterpillars and other soft bodied insects, thus becoming a very helpful perst controller for your garden, minus the aggression of yellow jackets.
Cicada Killer wasps
Cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus) are large, solitary hunters. These types of wasps dig tunnels in sandy soil, where the females will drag paralyzed cicadas as food for their larvae. Despite their size and fearsome name, these types of wasp are rarely known to sting humans, and their presence in the yard usually signals healthy soil and a balanced ecosystem.
Mud Daubers
Consider them the architects of the wasp world. This type of wasp will use mud to build tube-shaped nests on walls, beams, and trunks of trees. Each cell inside the nest is stocked with paralyzed spiders. This is a ready meal for the developing larvae inside the nest.
As for their nature, mud daubers are generally a non-aggressive and solitary species which makes them super beneficial neighbors that keep spider numbers in control.
Bald-faced hornets
Despite being called hornets, these are not actual hornets. Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are actually aerial yellow jackets. This type of wasp constructs large, round shaped paper nests, perched high on trees and buildings. Bald-faced hornets are very defensive and can sting multiple times, but they can also be very an efficient predator for flies and other insects.
Bald-faced hornet
European Hornets
The European hornet (Vespa crabro), introduced to North America in the 1800s, is the only true hornet found in the region. This type of wasp prefers to nest in hollow trees and is a nocturnal hunter. These, when buzzing around, can be super intimidating due to their massive size. But they rarely attack when unprovoked. European hornets generally feed on other insects and sap, which helps to reduce pest loads in forests and orchards.
European hornet
Cuckoo Wasps
These are among the most visually striking ones. Cuckoo wasps shimmer in metallic blue or green. They don’t build nests of their own. Instead, they will lay their eggs in the nests of other wasps or even bees. Think of it as a parasitic relationship. The young get free food and shelter. Cuckoo wasps boast an armor-like exoskeleton that protects them when hosts try to eject them.
Cuckoo wasp
Thread-waisted wasps
Thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) are easy to identify by their extremely thin “waists.” These solitary types of wasps dig burrows in soil to store paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. This hunting habit makes them excellent allies for farmers and gardeners battling pest outbreaks. This type of wasp also feeds on flower nectar, playing a small role in pollination.
Thread-waisted wasp
Murder hornets (Asian giant hornets)
Literally, the stuff of nightmares for the bees. The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is often dubbed the “murder hornet.” This terrifying reputation is all thanks to its powerful mandibles. These Asian natives come with a bad temper, complemented by their bulky size and massive strength. This is what makes them so dangerous for honeybees.
Murder hornets can use their mandibles to instantly decapitate bees and decimate entire colonies in hours. Sightings in North America have been quite limited, but entomologists continue to monitor for potential spread.
Asian giant hornet
Potter wasps
Potter wasps create delicate, clay-like nests shaped like miniature pots. Each pot holds a single egg and a paralyzed insect for the larva to feed on. These types of wasps are generally passive and will rarely sting when encountered. These guys are also super helpful in protecting vegetation naturally, as potter wasps love preying on harmful caterpillars that harm plants.
Potter wasp
Quick recap
Here is a quick snapshot for easy reference. A quick look at how these different types of wasps differ in lifestyle and impact.
- Social wasps: Yellow jackets, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and European hornets.
- Solitary wasps: Cicada killers, mud daubers, thread-waisted wasps, potter wasps, and cuckoo wasps.
- Aggressive: Yellow jackets, murder hornets.
- Garden helpers: Paper wasps, mud daubers, and potter wasps.
Learning about these different types of wasps is an easy way to understand more about these feared bugs. Might even change how we see them. Most types of wasps are pollinators and essential pest regulators that protect crops and reduce the need for artificial pesticides.
For more such fun insights from the world of hornets, wasps and bees, consider following my full blog here.
