Safety note: Stings aggressively in defense of nest — keep distance.
The Southern Yellowjacket is a common, aggressive wasp in the southeastern US with classic yellow-and-black banding and workers that readily sting when the nest is threatened. Colonies can contain tens of thousands of workers by late summer and are frequently built underground. It is a major scavenger at picnics and outdoor food.
Habitat
Forests, suburbs, parks, and areas with underground cavities
Diet
Adults: insects, carrion, and sugary foods. Larvae: pre-chewed insect protein
How common
Common
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