Vespula or Dolichovespula?

The wasps you identify can be categorised into three different genera: Vespa, Vespula and Dolichovespula. The Vespa spp. includes the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is usually easily identifiable due to its size and colouration. The Vespula spp. and Dolichovespula spp. can often be harder to distinguish between. This video will highlight the main difference between the Vespula spp. and Dolichovespula spp. that you can look out for (i.e. the length of their face).

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Introduction

Vespula or Dolichovespula
Vespa crabro

Vespula
– Vespula germanica
– Vespula vulgaris
– Vespula rufa

Dolichovespula
– Dolichovespula media
– Dolichovespula sylvestris
– Dolichovespula saxonica