Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)

Dvořák, Libor, Roberts, Stuart P. M., Pla, Šumava Np and & Caer, 2006, Key to the paper and social wasps of Central Europe (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 46, pp. 221-244 : 234

Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) – Common Wasp

This species can be separated from the similar V. germanica by the key and following features: Clypeus mostly with black anchor-shaped spot, rarely with black colour reduced. Yellow colour in ocular sinus straight or concave towards antennae. Yellow genae and temples most often with black spot, the yellow band often interrupted by black, rarely with small black spot on outer margin. Yellow lateral band on thorax not widened medially.

Ubiquitous and everywhere common. A little rarer than V. germanica in open habitats, but one of the most common species in forested areas. Inhabits also secondary spruce forests.