Dolichovespula

Dolichovespula is a genus of social wasps in the family Vespidae, subfamily Vespinae. The species within this genus are commonly referred to as yellowjackets in many regions, though the term is also used for some species in the closely related genus Vespula. Dolichovespula wasps are eusocial, living in colonies with a single queen and a workforce of infertile workers.

The genus is distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Dolichovespula nests are constructed from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva to form a paper-like envelope. Nests are typically attached to tree branches, walls, eaves, or other structures and house open combs where brood is raised. Colonies are annual in most species, with the founding queen emerging in spring to start a new nest.

Lifecycle and behavior: After overwintering, a mated queen begins egg laying and raises the first brood with worker help. As the season progresses, the colony grows, provisioning larvae with captured arthropods and nectar for adults. Adults also forage for nectar, ripe fruit, and other sugary resources. Dolichovespula colonies are defensive around their nests, and stings can be painful, especially when the colony is disturbed.

Notable species within the genus include Dolichovespula arenaria, commonly called the common yellowjacket, and Dolichovespula maculata, known as the bald-faced hornet. The genus comprises several additional species with varying nesting habits and geographic ranges.

Taxonomy notes: Some classifications separate Dolichovespula from the closely related Vespula based on morphological and genetic evidence, while older sources grouped them together. Modern authorities typically recognize Dolichovespula as a distinct genus.