Eastern Yellowjacket - Queen

Description:

Noticeably bigger than yellowjackets I usually see (workers). "Wide anchor-shaped black marking with narrow base on first abdominal tergite is diagnostic" (Bug Guide). The free black spots on her back (and thinner black stripes, with more yellow) identify her as a queen. Usually seen flying low and hovering at edge of flowerbed (grass/soil line) or near pampas grass. Occasionally lands and walks around on ground. Usually seen alone. Maybe she's established her colony and is hunting insects to feed the larvae, which a queen does early on, before the workers have matured enough to take over. Not very aggressive when not provoked.

Habitat:

Suburban yard, close to woods. Likes area near an old rotting tree, the pampas grass, and the edge of a flowerbed. Hangs out near the ground, especially on the soil.

Notes:

Drat, I had hoped this was NOT a Yellowjacket!