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).

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

Crossocerus dimidiatus, known under the generic names Crabro, Blepharipus (in error) or Cuphopterus in older works, is one of the larger British Crossocerus with yellow-spotted gasters, resembling Crabro and Ectemnius, rather than the smaller, darker Crossocerus more typical of the British fauna.

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.

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).

This species has only recently been recognised in Britain, previously being confused under the name T. unicolor. Most records of the latter belong to the present species.

Both Tachysphex unicolor and T. nitidus are present in the British Isles. The separation of the two species has not been adequately documented in the English language, but is correct in Bitsch et al., 2001 Faune de France 86. Unless explicitly stated that this key has been used, or any subsequent one which recognises this situation, all records should be placed in agg.