These stinging insects are about ½ inch long and are colored yellow and black or white and black. They are social insects and live together in large paper nests in the ground or in trees, shrubs or structures.

(Dolichovespula spp. And Vespula spp.) The nests are founded in the spring and remain active for only one year. The workers forage for caterpillars and other insects to feed the young, and will defend the nest by stinging intruders repeatedly. The colony does not survive the winter.