German wasps' nest
Photo from Tui McMillan
Vespula germanica (Fabricius)
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Size range
- This nest was about 50 cm across, but big nests can be several metres across
Distribution
- Wasps were accidentally introduced to New Zealand
Life History
- Nest underground or in crevices in buildings and tree trunks.
- Rasp wood fibres from timber to use in nest formation
- Medium sized insects, large queens up to 20mm in length
- Sting. Some people may be allergic
- Feeds on small insects, fruit, nectar and honeydew. Scavenge on dead fish
