Downy Yellowjacket

Description:

Also called Transition or Hybrid Yellowjacket because it is a newly identified species and is thought to be a cross between the Eastern & German Yellowjacket. It is distinguished by the thick yellow hairs on the thorax and abdomen. Yellowjackets are beneficial insects that feed their young many different soft-bodied insect pests, particularly caterpillars and harmful flies. Adult Yellowjackets are light pollinators and are often seen feeding on flowers.

Habitat:

Northeast U.S. & Ontario. Nests are subterranean & adults can be found anywhere where there is a food source.