Vespula atropilosa

Vespula atropilosa is also known as the prairie yellowjacket. The species forms annual colonies in underground nests and workers collect insects as prey. The majority of colonies are formed in preexisting burrows made by small rodents. The adult preys on a wide variety of other insects in the Pacific Northwest. 

Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Species: Vespula atropilosa

Photograph: © 2005 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 15 June 2005
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o43'41" N 111o08'11" W)