Michigan is home to a variety of wasp species, some of which can be painful if they sting. Knowing which types of wasps are common in Michigan and how painful their stings can be is important for anyone living in the state.
In this article, we will explore the different types of wasps found in Michigan and rank them based on the pain of their sting. We will also provide some identification tips to help you recognize these insects.
You are reading: 4 Types Of Wasps In Michigan Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
4 Types Of Wasps In Michigan Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
Bald-Faced Hornet
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are a type of wasp that is commonly found in Michigan. They are known for their aggressive behavior and are considered the most aggressive stinging insect in the state.
Bald-faced hornets have visible ivory white markings on their faces, which makes them unmistakable. They are black and white yellow jackets and are Michigan’s only species of black and white yellow jacket.
Despite their aggressive nature, bald-faced hornets are considered beneficial insects as they help control other pest populations. If you encounter a bald-faced hornet nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
Yellowjacket
Yellowjackets are a type of social wasp that belong to the genus Vespula and Dolichovespula. They are commonly found throughout North America, including Michigan.
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Yellowjackets are known for their bright yellow and black striped bodies, and their painful stings. There are several different species of yellowjackets, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors. Some of the most common species found in North America include the eastern yellowjacket, southern yellowjacket, and western yellowjacket.
Yellowjackets are social insects that live in large colonies, with each colony containing thousands of individuals. The queen lays hundreds of eggs, while the male drones’ main function is to be ready to fertilize a receptive queen.
Workers do all the different tasks needed to operate and maintain the nest. Yellowjackets feed primarily on live prey such as flies, caterpillars, and other insects, but they will also forage for sugars such as beer, fruit, sweet beverages, and the honeydew produced by aphids and scale insects.
If you encounter a yellowjacket nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
European Hornets
European hornets (Vespa crabro) are the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe and the only true hornet found in North America. They were introduced to the United States and Canada from Europe as early as 1840.
European hornets are known for making intricate paper-like nests out of surrounding plant materials and other fibers. They are a social wasp species that live in large colonies, with each colony containing thousands of individuals. The queen lays hundreds of eggs, while the male drones’ main function is to be ready to fertilize a receptive queen.
Workers do all the different tasks needed to operate and maintain the nest. European hornets feed primarily on live prey such as flies, caterpillars, and other insects, but they will also forage for sugars such as fruit and sweet beverages.
European hornets are brown with wide yellow markings and are much larger than yellowjackets, with a body length of over 20 mm. If you encounter a European hornet nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
Paper Wasp
Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are a type of vespid wasp that are commonly found in Michigan. They are known for their distinctive nests, which are made of gray or brown papery material and have open combs with cells for brood rearing.
The name “paper wasps” typically refers to members of the vespid subfamily Polistinae, though it often colloquially includes members of the subfamilies Vespinae (hornets and yellowjackets) and Stenogastrinae, which also make nests out of paper.
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There are approximately 22 species of Polistes paper wasps identified in North America and around 300 species worldwide. The most common paper wasp in Europe is Polistes dominula.
Paper wasps have slender bodies with defined waists, yellow markings, and black wings that lay flat when at rest. They are mostly brown with some yellow coloration, and each of the known paper wasp species share similar traits of brown and yellow coloring, but they also have different bands of colors and markings that separate them from one another.
Unlike yellowjackets and hornets, which can be very aggressive, polistine paper wasps will generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened. Their territoriality can lead to attacks on people, and their stings are painful.
If you encounter a paper wasp nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
FAQS
1. What are the four types of wasps in Michigan ranked by the pain of their sting?
The four types of wasps in Michigan ranked by the pain of their sting are:
1. Bald-Faced Hornet
2. Yellowjacket
3. European Hornets
4. Paper Wasp
2. Are there other types of wasps found in Michigan?
Yes, there are other types of wasps found in Michigan, including mud dauber wasps and other species of paper wasps.
3. How can I identify a bald-faced hornet?
Bald-faced hornets have visible ivory white markings on their faces, which makes them unmistakable. They are black and white yellow jackets and are Michigan’s only species of black and white yellow jacket.
4. What should I do if I encounter a yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet nest?
If you encounter a yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
5. Are paper wasps aggressive?
Paper wasps are generally not as aggressive as yellowjackets or hornets, but they can still be territorial and may attack if they or their nest are threatened.
6. What should I do if I encounter a paper wasp nest?
If you encounter a paper wasp nest, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional help for removal.
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Category: Animals
