This is one of the three British ‘long-cheeked’ social wasps. Identification keys and details of biology are given in Archer (1996), Else (1994), Edwards (1980) and Spradbery (1973).

Identification keys and general biology are given in Iwata (1976), Richards (1980), Gauld & Bolton (1988), Falk (1991), and Yeo & Corbet (1995).

Our second very common social wasp with a short oculo-malar space (see V. germanica) which is also a frequent pest. For keys and biology, see V. germanica profile.

A small, black and red solitary wasp. Identification keys are given in Yeo & Corbet (1995), Lomholdt (1984) and Richards (1980).

Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris are our most common social wasps, having a short oculo-malar space (between the bottom of the eye and the base of the mandible). Due to their scavenging habits and choice of nesting sites, they are frequently attracted to homes, gardens and picnic areas, where they may become serious pests. Identification keys and biology are given in Spradbery (1973), Edwards (1980), Else (1994) and Archer (1996).