Vespula or Dolichovespula

Yellowjacket, yellow jacket or yellow-jacket is the common name in North America for predatory wasps of the genera (genus) Vespula and Dolichovespula. Members of these genera are known simply as "wasps" in other English-speaking (English language) countries. Most of these are black-and-yellow; some are black-and-white (such as the bald-faced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata), while others may have the abdomen background color red instead of black. They can be identified by their distinctive markings, small size (similar to a honey bee), their occurrence only in colonies, and a characteristic, rapid, side to side flight pattern prior to landing. All females are capable of stinging (stinger) which can cause pain to the person who has been stung. Yellowjackets are important predators of pest insects.