Vespine

Vespine is an adjective used in biology to describe things related to wasps. The term derives from Vespa, the Latin word for wasp, and is commonly used in reference to the subfamily Vespinae or to wasp-like traits in various Hymenoptera.

In taxonomy, vespine often refers to the true wasps of Vespinae, which include the genera Vespa (giant hornets) and Vespula and Dolichovespula (yellowjackets). These wasps are typically eusocial, forming colonies with a single queen and many workers. The term may also be used more broadly to describe features resembling wasps, such as a slender body and a constricted waist.

Vespine wasps have the typical hymenopteran body plan: two pairs of wings, a narrow petiole between the thorax and abdomen, and a venomous sting. They are usually medium-sized to large and often display bold black-and-yellow patterns. Most vespine species build nests from chewed wood pulp that resembles paper and defend the nest aggressively.

Vespine wasps occur in temperate to tropical regions worldwide, occupying forests, fields, and urban areas. They are generalist predators, feeding on other insects and on nectar for energy. Through predation they help control pest populations, while also relying on nectar as a food source and playing a role in pollination.

Stings from vespine wasps can be painful and may trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Removal of active nests should be left to professionals when nests pose a risk near people. In ecosystems, vespine wasps contribute to insect population control and nutrient cycling.