What do wasps and their nests look like?
Although similar in size and shape to bees, wasps are distinctive in their appearance because of their bright yellow and black banding. Depending upon their species they are usually 1 – 2 cm in length, the most common being the common wasp (Vespa vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespa germanica). The nest is usually constructed from chewed bark and dried timber mixed with saliva, and is a light grey/beige colour with a papery appearance. If undisturbed and built in an unrestricted space, the nest can measure up to 90 – 120 cm in circumference towards the end of the summer months. A nest this size would contain between 3 – 5,000 individuals.
