Social wasps of Britain and Ireland (Chart)

Description:

This chart is a photo-based identification guide for naturalists and enthusiasts.

* Features multiple colour photographs of each social wasp species in Britain and Ireland

* Straightforward flow chart to key characters to separate species

* Enables reliable identification of adult workers from living specimens in the field (where possible)

* Designed for fieldwork: lightweight, shower-proof and rucksack-sized

Social wasps are familiar yellow-and black striped insects, especially common from mid-summer to autumn. But their identification to species level can be tricky, so they are often under-recorded. Unfortunately, a single top-down view of the wasp is rarely enough for identification. Instead, you need to check the wasp from several different angles. We recommend using a specimen tube with a plunger, so you can get a closer look while avoiding stings.

This guide is designed for identifying social wasp workers: the infertile adult females that make up the majority of individual wasps that you will see. It features all 9 native species: Common Wasp, German Wasp, Red Wasp, Saxon Wasp, Norwegian Wasp, Tree Wasp, Median Wasp, Cuckoo Wasp and European Hornet. The Asian Hornet, an invasive non-native species, is also included.

Carefully chosen photographs show the key identification features, particularly the shape and markings of the head. Accompanying species notes distinguish similar-looking species. Written notes cover the wasp life cycle, feeding and nesting, as well as hints for finding wasps.