Wasps are a diverse group of insects in North America, with both native and introduced species. While some are known for stinging, many play important ecological roles.
Native Wasp Presence in North America
North America hosts a rich variety of native wasp species integral to its natural landscapes. Among these are various types of paper wasps (genus Polistes), which construct open, umbrella-shaped nests from a paper-like material made of chewed wood fibers and saliva. The Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is widely found across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the southern United States, inhabiting woodlands, savannas, and areas near human development.
Yellowjackets are another common group of native social wasps in North America, belonging to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. These predatory insects are typically recognized by their black and yellow or black and white markings. Native species include the Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) and the Southern Yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa), which often build their papery nests underground or in protected cavities.
Solitary wasps like mud daubers and cicada killers are also native to the continent. Mud daubers are characterized by their slender, “thread-waisted” bodies and their distinctive mud nests, which can be tube-shaped or globular. Cicada killers (Sphecius speciosus) are among North America’s largest wasps, reaching up to 2 inches, with black bodies, yellow markings, and amber wings. These digger wasps are found across the U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central America, preferring to burrow in soft, sandy soil. Digger wasps (family Sphecidae) comprise over 1200 species in North America, many of which are solitary and hunt various insects.
Non-Native Wasps and Their Introduction
North America has also seen the introduction of several non-native wasp species, primarily through accidental human activity like international trade. One prominent example is the European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula), native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It was first detected in North America in the Boston area in the 1970s and has since rapidly spread across much of the northern United States and British Columbia. This species is often mistaken for native yellowjackets due to its yellow and black coloration.
Another introduced species is the German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica), also native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This species first appeared in Ohio in 1975 and has since become a dominant yellowjacket species in some areas, spreading westward across the continent. German Yellowjackets are known for building their nests in cavities, including underground or within structures.
More recently, the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), native to East Asia, was detected in the Pacific Northwest in late 2019, likely arriving via commercial shipping. Though there was concern about it becoming invasive, it was announced eradicated from the United States in December 2024.
Ecological Contributions of Native Wasps
Native wasps contribute significantly to the health and balance of North American ecosystems. Many species act as natural pest controllers, preying on other insects that can damage crops and gardens.
Yellowjackets are important predators of pest insects, with their larvae consuming other insects. Cicada killers specifically hunt and paralyze cicadas. Digger wasps are beneficial predators that help manage populations of grubs, crickets, katydids, and spiders.
Adult wasps, including paper and digger wasps, feed on nectar from flowers, contributing to plant pollination. This activity supports plant reproduction and biodiversity. Native species maintain ecosystem stability by occupying specific niches, regulating insect populations, and supporting plant life.