Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
- Group
- Social wasp
- Size
- 11–14 mm
- Risk
- High danger
- Protection status
- Not protected
- Identifying features
-
- Black-and-yellow warning colouration
- Black vertical line with an anchor-shaped widening on the clypeus
- Cavity nester — nest light brown, shell-like, usually hidden (holes in the ground, cavities)
The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) is, alongside the German wasp, the most frequent “nuisance” wasp at the table and on the terrace. In late summer it is strongly drawn to sweet food and meat, and it defends its nest aggressively.
Identifying features
- Size: workers 11–14 mm
- Clypeus: black vertical line with an anchor-shaped widening at its lower end
- Nest: light brown, shell-like, with a small concealed entrance hole (approx. 30 × 35 cm), preferably underground (e.g. in mouse holes) or in building cavities
Risk
High as both a nuisance and a health hazard: aggressive nest defence, and in sensitised individuals a sting can trigger anaphylactic shock.
Protection status in Switzerland
Not protected by law (not listed in Annex 3 of the NCO), Red List status “least concern” (LC). Control measures are permitted where human health is at risk.