Wasps and hornets are found in every U.S. state, from humid southeastern swamps to dry southwestern deserts. While many people see them as pests, these insects play a vital role in ecosystems by controlling pest populations and pollinating plants. Some species are solitary and rarely aggressive, while others live in large colonies and defend their nests fiercely.
This statewise guide highlights the most common species you’re likely to encounter across different U.S. regions.
In North America, the category of “wasps and hornets” is often confusing because many insects we call “hornets” are technically a type of yellowjacket (wasp). There is actually only one true hornet established on the continent.
Post Contents
- The True Hornets
- “Pseudo-Hornets” (Social Wasps)
- Paper Wasps
- Solitary (Non-Aggressive) Wasps
- 20+ True and Pseudo Wasps and Hornets in the North America
- 1. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
- 2. The Bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
- 3. Yellowjackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula spp.)
- 4. Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)
- 5. Mud Daubers (Sceliphron and Chalybion spp.)
- 6. Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus)
- 7. Velvet Ants / “Cow Killers” (Dasymutilla occidentalis)
- 8. Tarantula Hawks (Pepsis and Hemipepsis spp.)
- 9. Blue-Winged Wasps (Scolia dubia)
- 10. Great Golden Digger Wasps (Sphex ichneumoneus)
- 11. Potter Wasps (Eumenes fraternus)
- 12. Ichneumon Wasps (Megarhyssa spp.)
- 13. Great Black Wasps (Sphex pensylvanicus)
- 14. Horntails / Wood Wasps (Tremex columba)
- 15. Cuckoo Wasps (Family Chrysididae)
- 16. Mason Wasps (Monobia quadridens)
- 17. Braconid Wasps (Family Braconidae)
- 18. Sand Wasps (Tribe Bembicini)
- 19. Gall Wasps (Family Cynipidae)
- 20. Scoliid Wasps (Family Scoliidae)
- 21. Square-Headed Wasps (Family Crabronidae)
- 22. Five-Banded Thynnid Wasps (Myzinum quinquecinctum)
- 🗺 Northeast (NY, PA, NJ, MA, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME)
- 🌾 Midwest (OH, MI, IL, IN, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, SD, ND)
- 🌲 Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, MS, TN, KY, VA, WV)
- 🌵 Southwest (TX, AZ, NM, NV, OK)
- 🌊 West Coast (CA, OR, WA)
- 🏔 Mountain West (CO, UT, WY, MT, ID)
- 🧠 Key Differences: Wasps vs Hornets
- 🐝 Common Wasps & Hornets in the United States
- Rewind Summary
- Conclusion: Friend or Foe?
The True Hornets
Biologically, true hornets belong to the genus Vespa.
The European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
Large (up to 1.3″), reddish-brown head and thorax with a yellow abdomen.
The only true hornet established in N. America. Unique because they are active at night and attracted to porch lights.
Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
Massive (up to 2″); orange head and striped abdomen. Often called “Murder Hornets.”
Invasive. Currently restricted to small areas in the Pacific Northwest (WA and BC) with eradication efforts ongoing.
“Pseudo-Hornets” (Social Wasps)
These are often called hornets due to their size or nesting habits, but they are technically yellowjackets.
- Bald-Faced Hornet: Notable for its black body and “bald” white face. They build the classic large, gray, pear-shaped paper nests hanging from trees. They are highly aggressive if their nest is approached.
- Yellowjackets (Various species): Small, fast, and marked with bright yellow and black. They often nest in the ground or wall voids and are notorious for “crashing” picnics in late summer to scavenge for sugar and protein.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are slender with long, dangling legs. Their nests are “open-faced” umbrellas (you can see the hexagonal cells).
- Northern Paper Wasp: Reddish-brown with yellow bands; common in the Midwest and East.
- European Paper Wasp: Look very similar to yellowjackets (black/yellow) but have orange antennae. They are generally less aggressive unless their nest (often under eaves) is touched.
Solitary (Non-Aggressive) Wasps
These wasps do not live in colonies, making them much less likely to sting humans.
- Mud Daubers: Very thin, “thread-like” waists. They build tube-shaped nests out of mud. They are docile and primarily hunt spiders.
- Cicada Killers: One of the largest wasps (up to 2″). Despite their scary size, they are gentle toward humans and spend their time burrowing in the ground to hunt cicadas.
- Blue Winged Wasp: Distinctive metallic blue wings and a black body with two yellow spots. They are beneficial insects that hunt beetle larvae in lawns.
| Feature | Yellowjackets | Paper Wasps | Hornets |
| Body Shape | Stout, short legs | Slender, long legs | Thick, bulky |
| Aggression | High (Protective) | Moderate | High (Protective) |
| Nest Type | Enclosed (Ground/Wall) | Open Umbrella (Eaves) | Enclosed (Aerial/Trees) |
20+ True and Pseudo Wasps and Hornets in the North America
This list details the most significant wasps and hornets in North America, focusing on their physical specifications, nesting habits, and ecological roles.
1. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro)

The European Hornet is the only true hornet established in North America, introduced from Europe in the mid-1800s. It is significantly larger than a standard yellowjacket, typically measuring between 25mm and 35mm (1 to 1.4 inches) in length. Physically, they are distinguished by a reddish-brown thorax and a yellow abdomen marked with dark, teardrop-shaped spots. Their heads are wide with large mandibles, designed for preying on large insects like grasshoppers and flies.
Unlike most other wasps, European Hornets are nocturnal and are frequently attracted to porch lights or windows at night. They build large, tan, paper-like nests, usually inside hollow trees, barns, or attics. While they are protective of their nests, they are generally less aggressive toward humans than yellowjackets unless directly handled. They are also known for “girdling” twigs, where they strip bark from trees to feed on the sap.
2. The Bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)

Despite its name, this insect is technically a yellowjacket, not a true hornet. It is easily identified by its black body and distinct white or ivory markings on its face and the tip of its abdomen. Adults typically reach 13mm to 20mm (0.5 to 0.8 inches). They are stockier than paper wasps and lack the yellow coloration common to their relatives.
Bald-faced hornets are famous for their engineering. They build massive, gray, football-shaped aerial nests made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests can house up to 700 workers and are often found hanging from tree branches or building eaves. They are highly aggressive and possess a unique defense mechanism: they can “squirt” venom from their stinger into the eyes of an intruder, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.
3. Yellowjackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula spp.)

Yellowjackets are the most common cause of “bee stings” in North America. They are relatively small, measuring 10mm to 16mm (0.4 to 0.6 inches), with a signature bright yellow and black banded pattern. Unlike honeybees, they have a smooth stinger, allowing them to sting multiple times. Their bodies are shorter and more “compact” than paper wasps.
There are two main types: ground-nesting (like the Eastern and Western Yellowjacket) and aerial-nesting. Ground-nesters often utilize old rodent burrows, making them a hazard for gardeners and lawn-mowers. In late summer, their food preference shifts from protein (insects) to sugar, which is why they are frequently found hovering around soda cans and trash bins. They are notoriously territorial and will swarm if their nest entrance is vibrated.
4. Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)

Paper wasps are characterized by their slender bodies and long, dangling legs that hang down during flight. They usually measure 15mm to 25mm (0.6 to 1 inch). Their color varies by species; the Northern Paper Wasp is brownish with yellow accents, while the invasive European Paper Wasp looks strikingly like a yellowjacket but has orange antennae.
Their nests are “open-faced,” resembling an upside-down umbrella with exposed hexagonal cells. They do not have an outer paper envelope. These wasps are considered beneficial insects because they are voracious hunters of garden pests like caterpillars. They are generally docile and will only sting if you get within inches of their nest. Because they prefer to nest under eaves and door frames, they often come into close contact with humans.
5. Mud Daubers (Sceliphron and Chalybion spp.)

Mud Daubers are solitary wasps, meaning they do not live in colonies or have a “queen.” They are easily recognized by their extremely thin, “thread-like” waist (petiole) connecting the thorax and abdomen. They vary in color from solid black or metallic blue to black-and-yellow. Size ranges from 12mm to 25mm (0.5 to 1 inch).
As their name suggests, they build finger-shaped nests out of mud, often found on the sides of buildings or inside garages. Each tube is partitioned into cells, which the female stuffs with paralyzed spiders to feed her larvae. Because they lack a colony to defend, Mud Daubers are incredibly non-aggressive and rarely sting humans, even when their nests are removed.
6. Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus)

The Cicada Killer is one of the largest and most intimidating wasps in North America, often reaching a length of 30mm to 50mm (1.1 to 2 inches). They have a thick, black abdomen with jagged yellow bands and distinctive transparent, brownish-red wings. Despite their massive size and “scary” appearance, they are solitary wasps, meaning they lack the nest-guarding instinct of yellowjackets. Males are territorial and may “buzz” humans, but they actually lack a stinger; females possess a stinger but only use it if stepped on or handled roughly.
Their life cycle is specialized: females dig deep burrows in sandy or loose soil, creating individual chambers for their young. They hunt annual cicadas, paralyzing them with a precise sting before flying the heavy prey back to the burrow. A single cicada killer can drag a cicada twice its own weight. These wasps are considered beneficial because they provide natural pest control, though their burrowing can occasionally disrupt well-manicured lawns or golf courses.
7. Velvet Ants / “Cow Killers” (Dasymutilla occidentalis)

Despite the name, the Velvet Ant is actually a species of wingless wasp. The females are easily recognized by their dense, velvet-like hair, which is typically bright orange or red with black bands—an example of aposematism (warning coloration). They are roughly 19mm to 25mm (0.75 to 1 inch) long. While females are ground-dwellers, the males have wings and look more like traditional wasps, though they cannot sting.
The nickname “Cow Killer” comes from the extreme potency of the female’s sting, which is ranked as one of the most painful in the insect world (though the venom is not particularly toxic to humans). They have an exceptionally thick, rounded exoskeleton that is nearly impossible to crush. As parasitoids, they do not build their own nests; instead, they sneak into the burrows of other ground-nesting bees or wasps to lay their eggs on the host’s larvae. If disturbed, they produce a distinct chirping or squeaking sound by rubbing abdominal segments together.
8. Tarantula Hawks (Pepsis and Hemipepsis spp.)

Primarily found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, the Tarantula Hawk is a giant spider wasp that grows up to 50mm (2 inches). They are visually striking, with metallic blue-black bodies and bright, fiery orange wings. This coloration warns predators of their sting, which is widely considered the second most painful insect sting in the world (behind only the Bullet Ant). The pain is described as an “immediate, excruciating, and debilitating shock” that lasts about three to five minutes.
These wasps are specialists that hunt tarantulas. A female will locate a tarantula, provoke it into a fight, and sting it on its underside to paralyze it permanently. She then drags the spider into a burrow, lays a single egg on it, and seals the entrance. The larva eventually hatches and eats the paralyzed (but living) spider. Adults, however, are nectar feeders and are often seen calmly crawling on flowers. They are very docile toward humans and will only sting if severely provoked.
9. Blue-Winged Wasps (Scolia dubia)

The Blue-Winged Wasp is a medium-sized, beneficial wasp measuring about 20mm to 25mm (0.8 to 1 inch). They are easily identified by their unique color pattern: a black head and thorax, a dark blue or purple iridescent sheen on the wings, and a reddish-brown posterior marked with two prominent yellow spots. They are often seen in late summer hovering just inches above lawns in a distinctive “figure-eight” flying pattern.
They are solitary hunters specifically adapted to control beetle populations. The female dives into the soil to locate Japanese beetle or June bug grubs. Once a grub is found, she stings it to paralyze it and lays an egg on its body. When the wasp larva hatches, it consumes the grub. Because they are so effective at controlling lawn pests and are almost entirely uninterested in humans, they are highly valued by gardeners and landscapers. They rarely, if ever, sting humans unless captured by hand.
10. Great Golden Digger Wasps (Sphex ichneumoneus)

The Great Golden Digger Wasp is one of the most striking solitary wasps in North America, measuring 25mm to 35mm (1 to 1.4 inches). They are easily identified by their multi-colored bodies: the head and thorax are covered in fine, golden hairs, while the abdomen is bicolored—black at the rear and bright orange at the front. They have long, amber-colored wings and orange legs.
These wasps are “diggers” that prefer sunny, sandy areas to excavate their vertical burrows. Each burrow has several side chambers. The female hunts members of the orthoptera family—specifically katydids and crickets. She stings them to paralyze them, then hauls them back to her burrow. Interestingly, these wasps exhibit a unique “caching” behavior: they leave the prey at the entrance of the burrow, go inside to inspect for intruders, and then return to pull the prey in. They are entirely non-aggressive toward humans and are excellent pollinators as adults.
11. Potter Wasps (Eumenes fraternus)

Potter wasps are small to medium-sized wasps, usually 13mm to 20mm (0.5 to 0.8 inches) long. They are mostly black with ivory or pale yellow stripes, making them look somewhat like small yellowjackets. However, they have a very distinct “pot-bellied” shape, with a thin first abdominal segment that flares out into a bulbous rear.
They are named for their incredible masonry skills. The female constructs miniature, jug-like nests out of mud, complete with a narrow neck and a flared rim, which she attaches to twigs or building siding. Once the “pot” is finished, she hangs a single egg from the ceiling by a silk thread and then stuffs the pot with paralyzed caterpillars. When the larva hatches, it has a ready-made feast inside its clay home. They are solitary, do not defend their nests, and are considered highly beneficial for natural caterpillar control in gardens.
12. Ichneumon Wasps (Megarhyssa spp.)

The Giant Ichneumon Wasp is a marvel of the insect world, often reaching 38mm to 50mm (1.5 to 2 inches) in body length, but their most startling feature is the ovipositor, which can be up to 100mm (4 inches) long. Many people mistake this long tail for a massive stinger, but it is actually a specialized tool for laying eggs. They are typically reddish-brown with yellow and black markings and have very long, slender antennae.
These wasps are parasitoids of the Pigeon Tremex (a wood-boring horntail). The female uses her long ovipositor like a drill, sensing vibrations to locate a horntail larva deep inside a tree trunk. She then “drills” through solid wood to deposit her egg directly onto the host larva. Despite their “alien” appearance and intimidating size, they cannot sting humans. They lack the venom and musculoskeletal structure to use the ovipositor as a weapon, making them completely harmless to people and pets.
13. Great Black Wasps (Sphex pensylvanicus)

The Great Black Wasp is a large, imposing insect, reaching up to 35mm (1.4 inches) in length. As the name suggests, they are entirely midnight black, including their wings, which often show a beautiful metallic blue or purple iridescent sheen when caught in the light. They have the classic “thread-waist” of the Sphecid family and very long, spiny legs used for gripping prey.
Like the Digger Wasp, these are solitary ground-nesters. They specialize in hunting large katydids and grasshoppers. A single female may provide three to five paralyzed insects for each of her larvae. While their size and dark color can be frightening, they are very active flyers that prefer to spend their time on flowers like milkweed and goldenrod. They only sting humans if they are stepped on or squeezed.
14. Horntails / Wood Wasps (Tremex columba)

Horntails are large, thick-bodied wasps that can reach 25mm to 50mm (1 to 2 inches) in length. Unlike the slender “thread-waisted” wasps, Horntails have a broad waist, making them look more like cylindrical flying cigars. They are typically brown or black with yellow and orange bands. Their most defining feature is a rigid, spear-like projection at the end of the abdomen, which is used to drill into wood—not for stinging.
Female Horntails seek out weakened or dying deciduous trees (like maple, elm, or beech). They use their “horn” to drill into the bark and deposit eggs along with a specific type of fungus. The fungus breaks down the wood, allowing the wasp larvae to tunnel through and feed. Because they lack a venom gland for defense, they are completely harmless to humans. They are a vital part of the forest’s decomposition cycle, though they are often the “hosts” for the Giant Ichneumon wasps mentioned previously.
15. Cuckoo Wasps (Family Chrysididae)

Cuckoo Wasps are the “jewels” of the wasp world. They are small, usually measuring only 6mm to 12mm (0.25 to 0.5 inches), but they are impossible to miss due to their brilliant, metallic iridescent colors—typically emerald green, ruby red, or sapphire blue. Their exoskeleton is unusually thick and pitted like a golf ball, which serves as armor.
They are named after the Cuckoo bird because they are cleptoparasites. They do not build their own nests; instead, they sneak into the nests of solitary bees or mud daubers to lay their eggs. When the Cuckoo Wasp larva hatches, it eats the host’s egg or larva and then consumes the stored food. If the Cuckoo Wasp is caught by the host, it has a unique defense: it rolls its body into a tight, armored ball that even a stinger cannot penetrate. They are solitary and do not sting humans.
16. Mason Wasps (Monobia quadridens)

The Four-Toothed Mason Wasp is a medium-to-large wasp, reaching about 18mm to 25mm (0.7 to 1 inch). They are almost entirely jet black with a single, prominent ivory-white band across the first segment of the abdomen. They are often mistaken for Bald-Faced Hornets due to their black-and-white coloring, but Mason Wasps are much more slender and are solitary rather than social.
These wasps are “architects” that utilize existing cavities, such as hollow plant stems or abandoned wood-boring beetle tunnels. They use mud to partition the tunnel into separate cells for their young. A female Mason Wasp will hunt small caterpillars, paralyze them, and seal one or two inside each cell. They are widely distributed across the Eastern United States and are excellent for natural garden pest control. While they can sting if handled, they are not aggressive and do not defend their nesting holes.
17. Braconid Wasps (Family Braconidae)

Braconid wasps are a massive family of parasitoids, with thousands of species in North America. They are generally very small, ranging from 2mm to 15mm (0.08 to 0.6 inches). Their colors vary from dull black to vibrant orange. Because of their tiny size, they are often mistaken for gnats or flies, but they are actually a gardener’s best friend.
They are famous for their role in controlling the Tomato Hornworm. If you see a large green caterpillar covered in what look like tiny white “grains of rice,” you are seeing the cocoons of Braconid wasps. The female wasp lays her eggs inside the living caterpillar; the larvae feed on its internal organs (avoiding vital ones to keep the host alive), then chew their way out to spin silk cocoons on its back. These wasps are completely harmless to humans and are used globally in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
18. Sand Wasps (Tribe Bembicini)

Sand wasps are medium-sized wasps, typically 15mm to 25mm (0.6 to 1 inch), known for their large, prominent compound eyes and pale greenish-yellow or white markings on a black abdomen. They are exceptionally fast flyers and have a distinct, high-pitched “buzz” that can be heard when they are hovering near their burrows.
Unlike most solitary wasps that “mass-provision” a nest and leave, Sand Wasps practice progressive provisioning. The female digs a burrow in dry, sandy soil and returns daily to bring fresh, paralyzed flies (like houseflies or deer flies) to her growing larva—much like a bird feeding a chick. Because they actively hunt biting flies, they are highly beneficial to have around livestock or beaches. They are non-aggressive and will often fly circles around humans simply to catch the flies that are bothering us.
19. Gall Wasps (Family Cynipidae)

Gall wasps are tiny, often less than 5mm (0.2 inches), and are rarely seen by the average person. However, their handiwork is everywhere. They are responsible for the strange, ball-like growths found on oak trees, known as “Oak Galls.” These wasps are typically dark-colored and have a humped-back appearance.
The female lays her eggs in the developing tissue of a tree (usually an oak leaf or twig). Her saliva contains chemicals that trick the tree into growing a protective “house” or gall around the wasp larva. This gall provides both shelter and food for the developing insect. While the galls can look like a disease or a fruit, they rarely cause significant harm to the tree. These wasps do not sting humans and are a fascinating example of botanical manipulation.
20. Scoliid Wasps (Family Scoliidae)

Scoliid wasps are medium-sized, hairy wasps, usually 20mm to 25mm (0.8 to 1 inch) long. They are often identified by their dark bodies and the presence of two yellow spots or bands on the abdomen. Their wings often have a distinct blue or purple metallic luster. In late summer, these wasps are famous for performing “S-shaped” or “figure-eight” flight patterns just inches above lawns.
These are solitary parasitoids of soil-dwelling beetle larvae, particularly June beetles and Japanese beetles. The female wasps use their sensitive antennae to detect grubs underground. They burrow into the soil, sting the grub to paralyze it, and lay an egg. Because they destroy the larvae that eat grass roots, they are one of the most beneficial insects for maintaining a healthy lawn. They are very docile and show almost no interest in humans, even when they are “swarming” a lawn for mates or prey.
21. Square-Headed Wasps (Family Crabronidae)

This family contains a diverse group of wasps, but the most recognizable are the Crabroninae. They are small to medium-sized, often black with yellow markings, but their most striking feature is an oversized, box-shaped head. They typically measure 10mm to 18mm (0.4 to 0.7 inches).
These wasps are specialists in hunting flies. They are incredibly agile in the air, snatching flies right off of leaves or mid-flight. They nest in a variety of locations, including hollow stems, rotting wood, or burrows in the ground. Because they focus almost exclusively on houseflies, blowflies, and stable flies, they are excellent “sanitation” workers for suburban backyards. They are solitary and generally harmless to people.
22. Five-Banded Thynnid Wasps (Myzinum quinquecinctum)

The Five-Banded Thynnid is a slender, colorful wasp measuring 15mm to 22mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches). They have elongated black bodies with five distinct yellow bands wrapping around the abdomen. Males and females look quite different: males are very thin with a “pseudostinger” (a curved spine) at the end of the abdomen that cannot actually sting, while females are more robust.
Like Scoliids, these wasps are specialized hunters of white grubs in the soil. They are frequently seen on flowers like Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace during the day. They are often mistaken for yellowjackets because of their striping, but their behavior is entirely different. They do not live in colonies, do not scavenge for human food, and will fly away rather than defend a territory.

🗺 Northeast (NY, PA, NJ, MA, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME)
Common Species
- Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons)
- German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica)
- Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
- Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
- European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
Overview
The Northeast hosts large populations of social wasps that build aerial nests in trees, attics, and shrubs. Bald-faced hornets create large gray football-shaped nests, while yellowjackets often nest underground. European hornets are large and reddish-brown and are active even at night.
🌾 Midwest (OH, MI, IL, IN, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, SD, ND)
Common Species
- Eastern Yellowjacket
- German Yellowjacket
- Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)
- Bald-faced Hornet
- Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus)
Overview
Midwestern states commonly see both social and solitary wasps. Cicada killers are large but non-aggressive and dig burrows in sandy soil. Agricultural areas support high yellowjacket populations.
🌲 Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, MS, TN, KY, VA, WV)
Common Species
- Southern Yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa)
- Eastern Yellowjacket
- Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina)
- Bald-faced Hornet
- Cicada Killer
Overview
The Southeast has longer warm seasons, allowing colonies to grow very large. Southern yellowjackets are particularly aggressive in late summer. Paper wasps are common around porches and eaves.
🌵 Southwest (TX, AZ, NM, NV, OK)
Common Species
- Western Yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica)
- Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)
- Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis spp.)
- Cicada Killer
Overview
Desert regions host some of the largest solitary wasps in North America. Tarantula hawks are striking blue-black wasps with orange wings and possess one of the most painful stings among insects—but they are rarely aggressive toward humans.
🌊 West Coast (CA, OR, WA)
Common Species
- Western Yellowjacket
- European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula)
- Bald-faced Hornet
- Northern Giant Hornet (rare sightings, WA)
Overview
The invasive European paper wasp is widespread in coastal states. Western yellowjackets often scavenge at picnics and outdoor gatherings.
🏔 Mountain West (CO, UT, WY, MT, ID)
Common Species
- Western Yellowjacket
- Bald-faced Hornet
- Paper Wasps
- Cicada Killer (localized)
Overview
Shorter summers mean slightly smaller colonies, but yellowjackets are still common in forested and suburban areas.
🧠 Key Differences: Wasps vs Hornets
| Feature | Wasps | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small to medium | Larger and bulkier |
| Nest Type | Paper nests, underground, or open comb | Large enclosed aerial nests |
| Aggression | Varies by species | Highly defensive near nest |
| Diet | Insects & sugary foods | Insects, tree sap |
Note: In the U.S., the only true hornets are the European Hornet and the rarely seen Northern Giant Hornet. Bald-faced hornets are technically large yellowjackets.
🐝 Common Wasps & Hornets in the United States
Here is a State-by-State Printable Chart of the most common wasps and hornets found across the United States
📋 State-by-State Printable Chart
| State | Common Wasps & Hornets |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Southern Yellowjacket, Eastern Yellowjacket, Red Paper Wasp, Bald-faced Hornet, Cicada Killer |
| Alaska | Bald-faced Hornet, Western Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps |
| Arizona | Western Yellowjacket, Tarantula Hawk, Paper Wasps, Cicada Killer |
| Arkansas | Eastern Yellowjacket, Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps, Cicada Killer |
| California | Western Yellowjacket, European Paper Wasp, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Colorado | Western Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Connecticut | Eastern Yellowjacket, German Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, European Hornet |
| Delaware | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Florida | Southern Yellowjacket, Eastern Yellowjacket, Red Paper Wasp, Cicada Killer |
| Georgia | Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Hawaii | Western Yellowjacket (introduced), Paper Wasps |
| Idaho | Western Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Illinois | Eastern Yellowjacket, German Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Cicada Killer |
| Indiana | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Iowa | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Cicada Killer |
| Kansas | Eastern Yellowjacket, Cicada Killer, Paper Wasps |
| Kentucky | Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Louisiana | Southern Yellowjacket, Red Paper Wasp |
| Maine | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, European Hornet |
| Maryland | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Massachusetts | Eastern Yellowjacket, German Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Michigan | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Minnesota | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Mississippi | Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps |
| Missouri | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Cicada Killer |
| Montana | Western Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Nebraska | Eastern Yellowjacket, Cicada Killer |
| Nevada | Western Yellowjacket, Tarantula Hawk |
| New Hampshire | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| New Jersey | Eastern Yellowjacket, German Yellowjacket, European Hornet |
| New Mexico | Western Yellowjacket, Tarantula Hawk |
| New York | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, European Hornet |
| North Carolina | Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps, Bald-faced Hornet |
| North Dakota | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Ohio | Eastern Yellowjacket, German Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Oklahoma | Western Yellowjacket, Cicada Killer, Paper Wasps |
| Oregon | Western Yellowjacket, European Paper Wasp |
| Pennsylvania | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, European Hornet |
| Rhode Island | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| South Carolina | Southern Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps |
| South Dakota | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Tennessee | Southern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, Paper Wasps |
| Texas | Western Yellowjacket, Tarantula Hawk, Southern Yellowjacket, Cicada Killer |
| Utah | Western Yellowjacket, Paper Wasps |
| Vermont | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Virginia | Southern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet, European Hornet |
| Washington | Western Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| West Virginia | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Wisconsin | Eastern Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
| Wyoming | Western Yellowjacket, Bald-faced Hornet |
Rewind Summary
The Only True Hornet
- European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
Yellowjackets (Social Wasps)
- Bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) – Technically a yellowjacket.
- Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons)
- Western Yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica)
- German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica)
- Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria)
- Southern Yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa)
Paper Wasps
- Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
- European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula)
- Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina / Polistes rubiginosus)
- Guinea Paper Wasp (Polistes exclamans)
- Metric Paper Wasp (Polistes metricus)
Solitary & Specialized Wasps
- Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus)
- Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium)
- Blue Mud Dauber (Chalybion californicum)
- Organ Pipe Mud Dauber (Trypoxylon politum)
- Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus)
- Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)
- Blue-Winged Wasp (Scolia dubia)
- Cow Killer / Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis) – A wingless wasp.
- Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis spp. / Hemipepsis spp.)
- Four-Toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens)
- Fraternal Potter Wasp (Eumenes fraternus)
Invasive / Notable Sightings
- Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) – Formerly “Asian Giant Hornet.”
Conclusion: Friend or Foe?
While the word “wasp” often triggers fear, the vast majority of the species listed (over 90%) are solitary, non-aggressive, and highly beneficial. They provide two critical services:
- Pest Control: They hunt caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders.
- Pollination: As adults, almost all wasps feed on nectar, transferring pollen between plants.
Only the Social Wasps (Yellowjackets and Hornets) pose a significant sting risk, and even then, usually only when their nest is threatened or food is scarce in late autumn.

94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.
