Description

Adult workers have a characteristic black and yellow pattern and are 15-20mm long. They are social insects, living in colonies of many thousand.

Habitat

The queen builds a nest in the spring and this is gradually increased in size through the year. It often can be found in trees, rafters or under eaves and some species will build their nests close to the ground.

Threats

Although the sting from a wasp is more of a nuisance than a danger, a minority of people show a serious reaction and a sting can result in anaphylactic shock, leading to death.