What is the difference between the German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly (Milesia virginieusis)? 

The German Wasp is a wasp and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly is not a wasp – it is related to the Drone Fly. Both are insects.

The German Wasp is a vespid and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly is a syrphid.

The German Wasp has a black thorax with yellow spots, and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly has a yellow thorax with two black horizontal markings.

The German Wasp has smoky-coloured wings, and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly has clear-coloured (translucent) wings.

The German Wasp a yellow body with black arrow-shaped markings, and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly has a yellow body with black H-shaped markings.

The German Wasp has long, thick, black antennae, and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly has very short antennae.

The female German Wasp has a stinger on her tail, whereas the Yellowjacket Hoverfly does not have a stinger on hertail (so it is harmless).

The German Wasp and the Yellowjacket Hoverfly both have yellow legs.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM