Taxonomy
Dolichovespula (Pseudovespula) saxonica
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed - A recent colonist
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 13- 19mm
- Head, thorax and abdomen black with yellow markings
- Abdomen without red markings
- Elongated face with a long malar gap
- Facial markings variable, often a 'trident' or downward-facing 'arrow' mark
- Males with longer antennae and usually darker, but generally variable
- Pale hairs on the sides of the thorax
- Queens and workers can be confused with other Dolichovespula and Vespula species, but the absence of red markings, elongated face and pale thorax hairs are unique to this species
Habitat
Little information is available on habitats in Ireland. 1 record has been made in parkland. In general this species may be expected to be found in a wide range of urban and rural habitats.
Flight period
Irish records have been made between May- July. Queens likely appear in April-May, with workers appearing in June and males in July.
Nesting biology
Nests have not been observed in Ireland, but elsewhere the species nests aerially, constructing a paper nest suspended from branches, in the eaves of buildings and on garden furniture.
Flowers visited
Unknown in Ireland, but elsewhere queens have been recorded on Bilberry and workers and males have been observed on various umbellifers, such as Angelica, Hogweed and Wild Carrot.
Similar species
- Other Dolichovespula and Vespula species (see above)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
This species was first recorded in Ireland in 2019. You can help track the spread of this species by submitting your records to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.