STINGING INSECT IDENTIFICATION
BALD-FACED HORNET
Scientific Name: Dolichovespula maculata
General Size: 13 mm to 20 mm
Look for these Colors: Black with white markings on the face
More closely related to yellow jackets than they are to hornets
BUMBLEBEE
Scientific Name: Bombus
General Size: Varies, adults are typically about 1"
Look for these Colors: Typically yellow and black
Bumblebees have a fuzzy appearance
CARPENTER BEE
Scientific Name: Xylocopa
General Size: 1/2 to 1 inch long
Look for these Colors: Typically black and yellow
Resemble a bumblebee, but are smooth and mostly hairless
Makes holes in wood
HONEY BEE
Scientific Name: Apis
General Size: Around 2.54 cm
Look for these Colors: Black, brown, orange or yellow
Sting once and die
Make nests to store honey
POLESTES WASP
Scientific Name: Polistes
Also known as: Paper Wasp
General Size: 3/4 to 1-inch in length
Look for these Colors: black, reddish or dark brown, yellow or orange markings
Long and slender with a narrow waist
Can sting repeadly
Make paper cone nests
YELLOW JACKET
Scientific Name: Vespula/Dolichovespula
General Size: 10 to 16 mm
Look for these Colors: Yellow and black with a thin abdomen
THE CICADA KILLER WASP
Scientific Name: Sphecius speciosus
General Size: 1 1/2 inch in length
Look for these colors: dark brown to black in color, with colorful yellow markings on several segments of their abdomen. Their wings are reddish-orange.
