German Wasp - Vespula germanica

Very similar in appearance to the Common Wasp, though very slightly bigger. The best way of telling them apart is by looking at the face - there are usually three small black spots (rarely one). The top spot may be merged into a vertical bar. It is never anchor-shaped as it is in case of the Common Wasp. The antennae are black right down at the base. The thoracic stripes usually bulge in the middle and there are four yellow spots at the rear of the thorax.

Almost anywhere.

April/May to September/October.

The nest is like that of the Common Wasp but greyish in colour. It is normally made underground in an abandoned mouse nest or even a mole hill. Construction of the nest often starts as early as mid April. The nests can become very large with thousands of individuals and, unusually, may have more than one entrance.

Common in Britain particularly in the south of England.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.