Hobbies And Interests
Size and Appearance
The various wasp species found in Pennsylvania come in different sizes. Digger wasps vary in size depending on the individual and the subspecies. Some can grow to be a couple of inches long, while others are only one inch long. Potter wasps, on the other hand, are all less than one inch in length. Nearly all Pennsylvania wasps are dark in color, and many are black with yellow markings. Ancistrocerus unifasciatus, a mason wasp species, has yellow legs, a yellow ring on the rear end of the body and small yellow markings on the head.
Nests
Pennsylvania wasp nests also vary among species. Potter wasps have an interesting nesting habit. They construct them out of clay or mud into a shape similar to that of a small vase. It is attached to a twig or similar object, sometimes also hanging from the eaves of buildings. Ancistrocerus unifasciatus, Pennsylvania's mason wasp, makes its nest out of an abandoned potter wasp nest. European paper wasps make nests with an upside-down-umbrella shape, composed of numerous cells.
Behavior
European paper wasps are social wasps. Every spring, a fertilized queen will start a new colony. One egg is laid in each cell in the nest. When the larvae hatch, they are fed caterpillars and other insects. When they grow up, they become workers, gathering food for the colony, while the queen works on solely laying new eggs. In contrast, potter wasps and Ancistrocerus unifasciatus are solitary wasps, spending most of their lives alone. Potter wasps do not need to care for their young, either. They provision their nests with food for emerging larvae to feed on and do not bother protecting the nest afterwards. Digger wasps, which build underground nests, also provision their nests with paralyzed caterpillars and then continue leading a solitary life.
Pest Status
Most wasps are beneficial, because they get rid of other pest insects. There are times, though, when they can cause problems. European paper wasps, for example, are common in urban areas and are fiercely protective of their nests. They will sting people who get very close to their nests, but otherwise leave them alone. Digger wasps are less likely in urban areas, but do sometimes make nests near suburban or rural homes; in this situation, the wasps may sting during the building of the nest or when they come together and mate. All wasps only sting when they are bothered or feel threatened.