Yellow Jacket Bees
Although their yellow and black stripes are similar to those of bees, yellow jackets are not a bee species. Rather, yellow jackets are a wasp species and differ from bees in a number of ways.
The bodies of bees are fuzzy and round in shape, while yellow jackets are smooth and thin. Yellow jackets' bodies are narrow between the thorax and abdomen like ants. Unlike bees, which have a barbed stingers and can only sting once before dying, yellow jackets are equipped with lance-like stingers and are capable of delivering multiple stings. While yellow jackets are also pollinators, their ecological benefit is minimal compared to that of bees.
Yellow jackets also differ from bees in behavior and habits. Yellow jackets are scavengers of human food and can be found surrounding trashcans or picnic sites. Yellow jackets also feed on nectar, but they depend primarily upon insects, meat and fish for nourishment. Most bee species are significantly less aggressive than yellow jackets, which may sting at the slightest provocation.
How Big Does a Yellow Jacket Nest Get?