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Yellowjackets are often confused with bees because of the bands on their abdomen.

Yellowjackets are often confused with bees because of the bands on their abdomen.
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Yellowjackets are often confused with bees because of the bands on their abdomen. Yellowjackets are often found feasting on fruit cores and empty pop cans left over from picnics.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets (Vespula vulgaris) are social, hairless insects that measure about 16 to 25 mm long. Their main body is banded, usually black and yellow, but sometimes black and white.

They are known as scavengers because they feed on dead insects and animals. They also enjoy sweets such as soda and fruit, so can often be found at picnic areas waiting to steal a bite!

They often nest underground, sometimes in a deserted rodent hole.

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