Family overview
Wings folded longitudinally at rest. Smooth, often boldly black-and-yellow patterned. Strong stingers (can sting repeatedly).
Predators of caterpillars and other insects (beneficial), but stings cause more allergic deaths than any other insects in North America.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
5,000
Notable members
Bald-faced hornet, eastern yellowjacket, European hornet, Asian giant hornet ('murder hornet'), paper wasps (Polistes)