Common Wasp - Vespula vulgaris?

[2dogs2000]

I took this photo last August and it was identified as Common Wasp - Vespula vulgaris. I was advised to try and get head and side photos as well (if possible) for a more positive i.d.



On 6th April I took these photos of another wasp. It has different markings on its back. Is it also Common wasp or something else?

[JRsbugs]

First is Vespula vulgaris worker, the heat must have brought them out. (no, it was in August!)

The second wasp is Dolichovespula saxonica I think a queen.

Janet

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi Janet,

I have no idea what species of Vespidae there are in GB, but I wouldn't try to identify any of those, but the one of the second photo (genus Dolichovespula). Experts want to see the head for identification. So far in my mind all Vespidae" and no.2 Dolichovespula spec. (an expert can tell more).

Regards
Klaas

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Klaas Reißmann

Hi Janet,

I have no idea what species of Vespidae there are in GB, but I wouldn't try to identify any of those, but the one of the second photo (genus Dolichovespula). Experts want to see the head for identification. So far in my mind all Vespidae" and no.2 Dolichovespula spec. (an expert can tell more).

Regards
Klaas

Hi Klaas, there is a shot of the face of the second one. If you also check out the yellow marks on the thorax you will see that I am correct.

Wasp Identification

There is also two pdf's with photos

http://bio.kuleuven.be/ento/courses/waspsp1600dpi.pdf

http://bio.kuleuven.be/ento/courses/waspsp2600dpi.pdf

[2dogs2000]

Thank you both.

Thank you also for the link to wasp identification. I thought there were only two types of wasp (i.e. yellow jackets)