thepetenthusiast.com

42 COMMON WASPS IN FLORIDA

Horse’s Paper Wasp

01

The horse’s paper wasp (Polistes major) is a large wasp that can grow to 0.87 inches (22mm) in length with a 1.8 inch (45mm) wingspan. 

Hunter’s Little Paper Wasp

02

The hunter’s little paper wasp (Polistes dorsalis) is a small wasp that has an exoskeleton plate that looks like a black with a yellow-colored shield and elongated antenna.

Feather-Legged Scoliid Wasp

03

The feather-legged scoliid wasp (Dielis plumipes) grows to around 25mm and is considered medium-sized with yellow or cream/white abdominal bands.

Metric Paper Wasp

04

The metric paper wasp (Polistes metricus) is a dark rusty colored wasp with black markings in the thorax and the abdomen is mostly black.

Mexican Paper Wasp

05

Mexican paper wasps (Mischocyttarus mexicanus) have asymmetrical internal and external lobes on their tarsal segments.

Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp

06

The male and female red marked Pachodynerus wasp (Pachodynerus erynnis) have similar coloration except the male has a white to yellow pentagonal spot on the face.

Southern Yellowjacket

07

The southern yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa) is a social wasp, which is easily identified with its black and yellow patterning, along with an orange queen.

Noble Scoliid Wasp

08

Noble scoliid wasps (Scolia nobilitata) are beetle hunters, they are solitary wasps with the female digging in the soil in search of beetles.

Yellow-Legged Mud-Dauber Wasp

09

The yellow-legged mud dauber wasp (Sceliphron caementarium) can grow to 1.10 inches (28mm) in length.

Three-Banded Scoliid Wasp

10

The three-banded scoliid wasp (Dielis trifasciata) is distinguished with its bright yellow to orange colored stripes.

CHECK OUT ALL SPECIES

Arrow