About Vespula consobrina (de Saussure, 1854)
Vespula consobrina (de Saussure, 1854) is commonly known as the blackjacket. This common name should not be confused with the one applied to Dolichovespula maculata, which is also called “blackjacket”. It is a species of stinging wasp belonging to the family Vespidae. The family Vespidae contains multiple related wasp species found across the northern hemisphere, including the German yellowjacket and other social wasps. This blackjacket species occurs across all of Canada except Nunavut, and also lives in the northern United States. The wasps typically build their nests in abandoned rodent burrows, rotten or fallen trees, hollow walls, and rock cavities. They are mostly found in forested areas, and rarely come into contact with humans.
