Vespula pensylvanica (de Saussure)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Carpenter, James M., 2012, The Vespinae of North America (Vespidae, Hymenoptera), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 28, pp. 37-65 : 47

Vespula pensylvanica (de Saussure) Figs 1c, d 10 23 44 69 80

Vespa pensylvanica de Saussure 1857:116. Lectotype female; New Mexico (GENEVA).

Vespa occidentalis Cresson 1874:100. Lectotype female; Nevada (PHILADELPHIA) Nec Vespa occidentalis Olivier, 1792.

Distribution.

This is the most abundant pest species of Vespula on the West Coast and much of the interior west of North America.

Biology.

Nests are usually built in cavities, which may be in the ground or in structures, such as attics, wall voids and even basements. The nests can become huge and often become perennial in warmer climates. These wasps are general scavengers, and will feed on live prey or any other source of protein or sugar including garbage. It is adventive in Hawaii.

Figures

Figure 1. Vespula germanica worker a side view b dorsal view; Vespula pensylvanica worker c side view d dorsal view.

Figures 2 - 13. 11 - 12 Front view of face 5 - 7 Dorsal view of head 8 - 10 Lateral view of head 11 Dorsal view of thorax 12, 13 Lateral view of male metasomal tergum VII.

Figures 14 - 25. Front view of face, antennae removed. Vpl. = Vespula.

Figures 38 - 47. Dorsal view of worker metasoma.

Figures 59 - 71. Lateral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: ae = aedeagus p = paramere.

Figures 72 - 84. Ventral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: A. = dorsal view of paramere ae = aedeagus p = paramere v = volsella Vpl. = Vespula.