HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > Vespidae > Vespinae

The Dolichovespula genus is now represented in Britain by four species; Dolichovespula sylvestris (commonly known as the Tree Wasp), Dolichovespula saxonica (Saxon Wasp), the widespread, but localised Dolichovespula norwegica (Norwegian Wasp) and the notably scarce Dolichovespula media (Median or French Wasp).

Often described as the 'long-faced' or 'long-cheeked' species, as they have a large malar space between the bottom of the eye and base of the mandible, these wasps are superficially similar in terms of size and general appearance. The abdominal pattern is a pretty good indicator of the species, but there can be variations between individuals, which is why it's necessary to also look carefully at both the thoracic and facial markings to be sure. And, as there can also be variations between the different castes, it's wise to first establish whether the specimen being considered is a male, worker or even a queen. Although the sterile female workers are the most abundant, many of the wasps found on flowers from August onwards will often be males. Wasps found earlier in the year in the spring will almost certainly be queens.

Although noted elsewhere, males can be identified by having seven, usually more obvious, abdominal segments (terga), rather than six as in the workers. They also have thirteen rather than twelve-segmented antennae.

The important distinguishing features for Dolichovespula saxonica are a yellow clypeus with a short, elongated black line or small black spot; short yellow lines running from the clypeus to behind the antennae; small dull yellow patch at top of the head behind the eye; pronotum with thin yellow border from behind the head, extending towards the wings; metanotum with two small yellow spots; side of thorax (episternum) with a roughly triangular yellow spot below the wings. The body length ranges from around 11mm up to 18mm.

Darker individuals can resemble Dolichovespula norwegica, but never have any red markings on the sides of the abdomen and, some females particularly, could be confused with Vespula vulgaris though the much longer face never has the characteristic black anchor mark of that species.

Dolichovespula saxonica is a relatively new species in Britain with the first recorded specimen being from the Dorking area of Surrey in 1987, since which time its range has steadily increased across a large part of the country. It is most likely to be found either on heathland or in woodlands, and has a relatively short flight period for wasps from May to August.