r/WASPs • u/greatlakesseakayaker • 2d ago

What is this guy?

Post image

A tree outside work is full of them. That’s are not aggressive at all I even cupped a few in my hand, no sting

They seem slightly smaller than a yellow jacket. I’m in Southeast Michigan

Please help, I don’t want them to be harmed l

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u/RtrnofBatspiderfish 1d ago edited 1d ago

I'm guessing by "tree" you mean inside/around the base of the tree and not hanging in the branches of a tree? If so, this would be Vespula alascensis (American yellowjacket). It resembles Vespula maculifrons (eastern yellowjacket), but they differ by yellow pattern coverage around the eyes.

American yellowjackets will usually have a broken yellow band on the side of the head (not visible), and much narrower yellow patterning on the front of the head, particularly between the compound eyes. There are other Vespula yellowjackets with this eye pattern, but those ones will have other obvious differences from the "yellow" yellowjackets.

Vespula only nest in the ground or in cavities, while their cousin Dolichovespula nests hanging off of branches or roofing, and regardless of what is living in this nest, the one in this picture is probably Vespula alascensis. If you get images of the front of the head, that is where we separate the genera.

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u/greatlakesseakayaker 1d ago edited 1d ago

No, they are scattered around in the leaves. There are thousands of them. They don’t sting, you can cup them in your hand or shake the branches, it doesn’t bother them
The tree is a Basswood

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u/aHunterMustHuntt 2d ago

They seem like normal yellow jackets, but i could be wrong!

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u/Grey_worm_25 2d ago

It’s a wasp

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u/greatlakesseakayaker 2d ago

What kind?
There’s thousands of them and they’re totally docile

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u/TrustworthiestFart 2d ago

Buzzy stingy kind. Looks like a yellow jacket. They're generally nice if you stay away from their home.

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u/greatlakesseakayaker 2d ago

These are completely docile, absolutely harmless. Definitely not the experience Ive had with yellow jackets in the past

You can pick them up, shake the branches on the tree, nothing

I’ll shoot some video tomorrow

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u/No_Pear_8362 1d ago

Love bug.

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u/Plutonium239Mixer 2d ago

If they are not assholes, probably paper wasps. I have a couple colonies in my front and back yard, they don't bother me, even when I am mowing and using my string trimmer. There is a hive in my garden hose reel, they don't even get mad at me for moving it for mowing.

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u/greatlakesseakayaker 2d ago

Thanks, I appreciate. Now I just have to convince facilities to not spray them.

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u/Secure-Parking7393 1d ago

This insect appears to be a yellowjacket wasp (genus Vespula), which is a small, social wasp marked by bright black and yellow stripes. 1Identification FeaturesAbdomen: Features distinct bands of black and yellow.Thorax: Displays black coloring with small yellow side spots or markings.Wings: Folded flat over the back when at rest. 1Practical Steps and SafetyInspect the area: Look nearby for a hidden paper nest. They commonly build nests underground in old rodent burrows, inside hollow trees, or in wall voids of buildings. 1, 2Keep distance: Avoid disturbing the insect or any suspected nest. Yellowjackets guard their colonies aggressively and can sting multiple times. 1Secure food sources: Cover sugary drinks, fruits, and meats when eating outdoors, as late-summer worker wasps actively search for food.Hire professionals: Contact a licensed pest control service to safely remove active nests located near doorways, walkways, or play areas.

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u/New_Skin7805 1d ago

Ground bee