Eastern Yellowjacket

Description:

This boldly-striped yellow and black wasp is a ground-nesting social species. They are nearly hairless and are approximately 1 cm (.5 in) in length. Can sting repeatedly and are very aggressive in defending their nest.

Habitat:

Widely spread throughout the eastern and central North America.

Notes:

I've had them land on sandwiches and carve off pieces of cheese and meat to carry back to their nests. They seem to be more common in autumn as their prey, things such as caterpillars, are largely absent and they join us for our picnics.