Yellow Jacket Or Hornet

Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are often mistaken for one another because of their similar appearance and painful stings. However, each has distinct traits that set them apart. Hornets and yellowjackets almost look that same, but theyre individual species with different tastes and behavior.

While they bear some resemblances, Yellowjackets and Hornets are actually not the same. Yellowjackets (or Yellow Jackets) and hornets are both wasps. A yellow jacket and hornet are similar in that they both have a pair of wings, six spindly legs, and a narrow section separating their abdomen and thorax.

But look at their size and youll find a hornet is much bigger than a yellow jacket. Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) belong among the yellowjackets rather than the true hornets. They are not usually called "yellowjackets" because of their ivory-on-black coloration.

Learn to identify yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. Compare their appearance, behavior, nests, and danger levels. Expert identification guide with photos.

In this complete guide, well break down the key characteristics of yellow jackets and hornets, allowing you to identify them easily and understand their behaviors better.