Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

Hence their name, this the common British Wasp.

Flies between April-September.

The queens and workers appear very similar to Vespula germanica, except when they are seen head on, as the V.

Vulgaris face lacks the three black dots of V. germanica.

Instead, each has only one black mark on its clypeus, which is usually anchor or dagger-shaped.

This applies to queens and workers only. In addition, identification of this species may be difficult because the black mark on its clypeus can sometimes appear broken, making it again look similar to V. germanica.