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.

Of the several Crossocerus species that nest in the soil, this is the only one with a boldly marked yellow gaster (but beware of specimens without spots). The spine at the bottom of the occipital carina is diagnostic for species recognition.

Hoplisoides punctuosus is known as Gorytes punctatus in some older literature. Hoplisoides has only recently been given generic status by British and some European authorities, as it resembles Gorytes in all but a few details. The genus Hoplisoides is found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.

This is the only example in Britain of a small 'carpenter bee', so-called because of its nesting habits - the female excavating its nest burrow in dead, pithy stems.