Tree Wasp - Dolichovespula sylvestris

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Description

Length 22 mm. The face of this species is usually clear yellow with one dot. Antennae yellow right at the base. Thorax with hairs at the sides and two yellow spots at the rear.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Hedgerows and meadows.

When to see it

May to August.

Life History

Can be very aggressive. It builds its nest in trees and bushes as well as underground. Adults forage flowers such as Wild Angelica, Water Figwort and Rosebay Willowherb.

UK Status

Locally common and fairly widespread throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • David Nicholls
    Burroughs Lane, Ratby
    10 June 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Ratby garden
    17 August 2012
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    03 August 2013
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    30 April 2010
    nest
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog NR
    11 September 2009
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    03 August 2013

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Common names
Tree Wasp
Species group:
Bees, Wasps, Ants
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Vespidae
Records on NatureSpot:
36
First record:
25/04/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
12/07/2023 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Graham Calow
    Granitethorpe Quarry, Sapcote
    08 July 2009
  • David Nicholls
    Bardon Hill
    25 April 2008
  • David Nicholls
    Ulverscroft NR
    12 July 2008
  • David Nicholls
    Burroughs Lane, Ratby
    10 June 2011
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    08 August 2010
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    08 August 2010
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    08 August 2010
  • HAPeacock
    River Soar - St Mary's Mills
    02 July 2013