Wasp Identification
Wasps are often mistaken as bees which could be very dangerous as most wasps are more aggressive and would attack even when unprovoked. To properly identify a wasp, it has to be compared to a bee. The obvious difference between these insects is the ability to produce bees but there are other significant differences which would help in identifying wasps.
The actions of wasps and bees are very different especially in selecting food. Wasps could be found in garbage and food while bees only prefer pollen. Wasps have a very diverse food preference as they try to capture insects during early summer but would shift to food at the later months of the year.
The nests of wasps are also different from the bees. Wasps, especially the yellowjackets, would make a nest made of wood pulp. Bees on the other hand build a nest that is purely made of honey. Even the food they feed their young is also different. Wasps catch insects or collect food, chew them and give them to their young. Bees on the other hand live by pollen and nectar since their birth until they pass away.
Physically, wasps have less hair compared to bees. They are also thinner compared to their honey producing counterparts. If you take a look at them closely, bees would have pollen baskets on their hind legs. Wasps do not have this type of baskets because they rarely use them.
You could even identify through sting if you have been attacked by a wasp or a bee. A wasp could sting you more than once because it could pull out its stinger. Bees on the other hand cannot pull out the stinger.
There are many different species of wasp: