Common wasp

Description:

The common wasp, known also as the common yellowjacket in North America, has a widespread range. Like other stinging wasps the common wasps sports the typical black and yellow aposematic (warning) colouration. As can be seen in the pictures, the common wasp is identifiable by a black anchor like shape above the jaws. The eyes and antennae are black in this species.

Notes:

Normally common wasps are far too agitated to photograph this close. This one however, was found drowning in a small container outside my house so I carefully picked it up and placed it on a pine tree where it slowly recovered allowing me to get some close-ups. After some thorough cleansing it flew off.