Can Wasps Be Black and White?
WouterThose who think that wasps are black and white may be surprised to learn that this is not the case. There are more than 9,000 species of wasps in the UK alone, and they all differ incredibly. While black and white is common coloration for wasps, it is not a distinguishing characteristic.
Wasps, like bees, are social insects. They live in colonies with a queen. The queen is responsible for the reproductive cycle. However, unlike bees, wasps produce only 3,000 to 8,000 workers. These workers are not important plant pollinators. These insects only sting when they are threatened.
The most common wasps in the United States are bald-faced hornets. These wasps have white heads and horizontal black lines on their abdomens. They prefer to nest in man-made structures, such as eaves of buildings. These wasps are also known as yellowjackets.
Another common wasp in the US is the American Sand Wasp. This is a diurnal species, meaning that it flies at dawn and dusk. It is very common in the northeastern US, but can be found in other parts of the country as well. It has brown wings, and short white hairs on its abdomen.
Other wasps in the US include the mud wasp, and the thread-waisted wasp. These wasps are medium sized, and have a long thin body part. They are commonly found in residential areas. They have a small white marking behind their head, and two white stripes on their abdomens.
