Vespula sulphurea (de Saussure)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Carpenter, James M., 2012, The Vespinae of North America (Vespidae, Hymenoptera), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 28, pp. 37-65 : 48

Vespula sulphurea (de Saussure) Figs 11 24 46 71 78

Vespa sulphurea de Saussure 1854:137. Holotype female; California (LONDON).

Distribution.

Vespula sulphurea is abundant in mid elevation and wildland areas in western North America.

Biology.

This is the yellowest of the North American species, with a two yellow-striped scutum much like that seen in Vespula squamosa , but sulphurea occurs west of the 100th meridian. They build small, subterranean nests, generally feed on live prey; in unusual circumstances they might scavenge food.

Figures

Figures 2 - 13. 11 - 12 Front view of face 5 - 7 Dorsal view of head 8 - 10 Lateral view of head 11 Dorsal view of thorax 12, 13 Lateral view of male metasomal tergum VII.

Figures 14 - 25. Front view of face, antennae removed. Vpl. = Vespula.

Figures 38 - 47. Dorsal view of worker metasoma.

Figures 59 - 71. Lateral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: ae = aedeagus p = paramere.

Figures 72 - 84. Ventral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: A. = dorsal view of paramere ae = aedeagus p = paramere v = volsella Vpl. = Vespula.