Dolichovespula norwegica

The Norwegian wasp ( Dolichovespula norwegica ) is a type of the Real wasps ( social Vespidae ) in the order of the Hymenoptera.

Occurrence

It is found throughout central Europe, but is more common in mountainous regions. From the northwest German lowlands there is hardly find reports. Typical habitats are mountain and mountain forests, probably the type moisture -loving. They often live in wood piles, thick bush, or forest edges with dense forbs; rare in people nearby.

Features

The Norwegian wasp wasps for a typical black - yellow warning coloration. The first two abdominal segments are - similar to the Hornet - reddish colored. The Queen is 15-19 mm, workers 12-15 mm and 14-16 mm long drones. The pattern on the head shield is reminiscent of a spearhead.

Nutrition

Workers feed mainly from carbohydrate-containing nectar of Umbelliferae and the honeydew of aphids. For the rearing of brood animal proteins are needed, insects, in particular different kinds of flies, mosquitoes, etc.

Nest

The nest is grayish yellow, the maximum size is a soccer ball. It is built from healthy or slightly weathered wood near the ground between grass and roots or freely suspended in the bushes. It has no air bags and the honeycomb edges are bent upwards. On average, about 200-300 animals colonize the nest.

Life cycle

One finds nest -seeking queens from mid / end of April. First workers appear from about late May. The life cycle is short and ends around early / mid September.