Dolichovespula maculata

Dolichovespula maculata is also known as the bald-faced hornet. It is a eusocial wasp with colonies containing 400 to 700 workers. The colony resides in trees, bushes, or other above ground locations in a hanging paper nest. Workers gather insects, fruit, and nectar as food. Colonies are primarily active in the spring through late fall, but can be active throughout the year in the south.

Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Species: Dolichovespula maculata

Photograph: © 2012 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 25 August 2012
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)