A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Vespula atropilosa
This species exhibits both a "xanthic" (mostly yellow) and "melanic" (mostly black) form. Both can often be found together.
These two specimens were among many yellowjackets licking "honeydew" (the sweet liquid waste product of aphids) from cottonwood leaves in a riparian corridor. Other vegetation included elm trees and a variety of grasses and weeds.
The Prairie Yellowjacket is a ground-nesting species that is strictly predatory. It does not steal food at picnics and barbecues.
Spotted on Aug 8, 2012
Submitted on Jan 4, 2013
No Comments