Worker abdomen has distinct yellow bands; the first segment of each antenna is entirely black. The thorax lacks the two stripes that are characteristic of the Southern yellowjacket.
Nests usually are built in decaying logs, stumps, or downed trees, and, less commonly, in walls or trees. The nest envelope usually is made of rotten wood fiber and is brittle. Nest populations can be nearly 3,000. Colonies are founded in May or June and
peak in September; some are active until October.
Habits. Prey includes caterpillars, flies, and other flying insects. As the name indicates, this is one of the most common species.