YELLOWJACKET Meaning and
Definition
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A yellowjacket, also known as yellow jacket, is a common name for various species of predatory wasps belonging to the Vespidae family, specifically in the genus Vespula or Dolichovespula. They are recognizable by their distinctive black and yellow striped bodies, with the yellow markings often appearing bright and vibrant. Yellowjackets are native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
These wasps are typically social insects, living in colonies with a strict hierarchy consisting of a queen, female workers, and male drones. Yellowjackets are known for their aggressive nature and are capable of delivering painful stings. Their stingers are smooth, which allows them to sting multiple times. They use their stingers primarily for defense against threats to their nests or when they feel threatened themselves.
Yellowjackets are opportunistic feeders, and their diet varies based on the availability of food sources. While they are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, arthropods, and even spiders, they are also attracted to sugary substances, including fruits, nectar, and human food waste. This scavenging behavior can make them a nuisance at outdoor events or picnics.
Due to their ability to build nests in various locations, often underground or in shrubs, trees, or building structures, yellowjackets can be encountered in a range of environments, from urban areas to rural landscapes. Their colonies typically die out during winter, with only newly mated queens surviving to establish new nests in the following spring.
In summary, a yellowjacket is a type of predatory wasp characterized by its yellow and black striped body. It is a social insect that forms colonies and is known for its aggressive behavior and painful sting. Yellowjackets have a varied diet and are found in
Common Misspellings for YELLOWJACKET
- yellojacket
- tellowjacket
- gellowjacket
- hellowjacket
- uellowjacket
- 7ellowjacket
- 6ellowjacket
- ywllowjacket
- ysllowjacket
- ydllowjacket
- yrllowjacket
- y4llowjacket
- y3llowjacket
- yeklowjacket
- yeplowjacket
- yeolowjacket
- yelkowjacket
- yelpowjacket
- yeloowjacket
- yelliwjacket
Etymology of YELLOWJACKET
The word "yellowjacket" originally referred to certain species of wasps found in North America, particularly the western yellowjacket and eastern yellowjacket, which are known for their yellow and black coloration. The term has its origins in the combination of the words "yellow" and "jacket".
The word "yellow" comes from the Old English word "geolu", which evolved into "yelwe" in Middle English and then "yellow" in modern English. It refers to the color of the insect's distinctive markings.
The word "jacket" comes from the Old French word "jaquet", which means a short, lightweight jacket or tunic. It was derived from the Old French word "jacque", which was a kind of armor worn by foot soldiers. Eventually, "jacket" came to refer to any short, light outer garment.
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