Vespinae

insect

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July 14, 2026

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The term "Vespinae" refers to a subfamily within the family Vespidae, which are a type of social wasp. These wasps are known for living in colonies and building nests made of a papery material. Unlike bees, their colonies are typically destroyed by the cold season.1

Social wasps, including those in the Vespinae subfamily, have a caste system with queens, drones, and workers. The queen initiates the colony in the spring, and the workers then expand the nest, which is constructed from chewed plant material mixed with saliva. Common examples of Vespinae wasps include hornets and yellow jackets. The adjective "vespine" is used to describe something that resembles or relates to wasps, particularly those in the Vespidae family.234

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Hymenoptera
Social forms
…the Polistinae (paper wasps) and Vespinae (e.g., yellow jackets) use paperlike coverings, which they construct by gnawing wood particles from structures such as fences, telephone poles, and barn doors. This is then kneaded together with saliva to form a little ball. After returning to the nest, insects roll the balls…
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…the Polistinae (paper wasps) and Vespinae (e.g., yellow jackets) use paperlike coverings, which they construct by gnawing wood particles from structures such as fences, telephone poles, and barn doors. This is then kneaded together with saliva to form a little ball. After returning to the nest, insects roll the balls…
Read More