Did you know that Michigan is home to more than 140 species of wasps? These fascinating insects have various shapes, sizes, and colors.
They can be found in almost every corner of the state, from wooded areas to grassy meadows.
Wasps are important to the local ecosystem as they help to pollinate plants and control pest populations.
This blog post will explore Michigan‘s many types of wasps and what they eat.
You’ll be amazed at the types of wasps in Michigan homes and their roles in keeping our environment healthy.
1. Gold-marked Thread-waisted Wasp
The Gold-marked Thread-waisted Wasp is a species of solitary wasp found in Michigan.
These types of wasps in Michigan are usually black with yellow stripes, and their antennae are quite long.
They can reach lengths up to 0.7 inches and have a wingspan of about 0.6 inches.
The Gold-marked Thread-waisted Wasp is most active during the summer months when they are seen searching for food.
They feed primarily on nectar but eat other insects and caterpillars. They are commonly found in gardens, fields, and wooded areas.
These wasps play an important role in Michigan’s ecosystem by helping control certain insect pests’ populations.
The larvae of the Gold-marked Thread-waisted Wasp feed on other small insects, providing a natural form of pest control.
In addition to providing natural pest control, the Gold-marked Thread-waisted Wasp also serves as a pollinator.
These wasps collect pollen from plants and flowers, aiding in the pollination process and ensuring that native plant species can survive and thrive in Michigan.
2. Metric Paper Wasp
The Metric Paper Wasp, also known as Polistes metricus, is one of Michigan‘s most common types of wasps. It has a black body with white bands and an orange head.
Its wings are dark brown with some light brown spots. The female can grow to 15-20 mm, while the males can grow to 10-15 mm.
These wasps create paper nests attached to vegetation such as shrubs, trees, or buildings.
The nests comprise cells; their external coverings are grey, brown, or black paper. They usually contain between 3 and 25 cells.
3. Succulent Oak Gall Wasp
The Succulent Oak Gall Wasp is a type of wasp in Michigan. It is a small, non-stinging species of gall wasp that lives on oak trees.
The adult Succulent Oak Gall Wasp is around 1/4 inch in size and has black and white markings. Its fan-shaped wings and yellowish-brown legs also identify it.
These tiny wasps also feed off the sap of oak tree leaves. Females lay eggs inside buds or young twigs, which causes galls to form after hatching.
As larvae, they feed off the gall’s plant tissue until they become adults and feed off sap once again.
These wasps benefit humans by keeping pests away from oak trees, such as moths, aphids, beetles, and scale insects.
4. Black Giant Ichneumon Wasp
The Black Giant Ichneumonid Wasp is one of Michigan‘s most common wasp species. It is black or dark brown in color and has a long body measuring up to 1.5 inches in length.
The female Black Giant Ichneumonid Wasp can sting but rarely does so unless it is threatened.
This type of wasp is a parasitoid insect, meaning it lives by attaching itself to other insect species, such as caterpillars, beetles, and other larvae, and feeding off its host.
As they feed on their host, they lay eggs within the host’s body, which hatch and feed off the living tissue of their host until they emerge as adults.
The Black Giant Ichneumonid Wasp benefits gardens and landscapes because it controls pests.
While it does not cause significant damage to plants, it eats various insects, which can be beneficial for keeping pests at bay.
5. Hump-backed Beewolf
The Hump-backed Beewolf is a species of wasp found in the state of Michigan. It is about an inch long and has a black body with yellow markings on its head and thorax.
The Hump-backed Beewolf has a distinctive hump-backed appearance and a large stinger. This wasp builds subterranean nests and uses them to hunt for prey.
It mainly hunts honeybees, bumblebees, and other social insects, which it paralyzes with its sting and then drags back to its nest. Once inside the nest, the paralyzed prey is food for the larvae.
The Hump-backed Beewolf is found mostly in open fields and woodland areas, preying upon many social insects.
However, they are also known to feed on carrion and nectar when their preferred prey is scarce.
While they can be beneficial in controlling other insect populations, they can also become aggressive if disturbed.
6. Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp
The Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp, or Megascolia mexicana, is native to Michigan and can be found in the southern part of the state.
This large black and yellow wasp is easily identified by its colorful abdomen, size, and unique behavior.
These wasps are solitary insects that form small colonies when it’s time to reproduce. They feed mainly on nectar and other plant juices, but they may also feed on caterpillars at times.
These types of wasps in Michigan construct their nests in small hollows in the ground where they can lay their eggs.
The Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp is so named because it has a unique method of foraging for food; it carries a bundle of grass in its mandibles and uses it to probe the crevices of flowers and other plants for insects.
After finding an insect, the wasp wraps the bundle around it before returning it to its nest.
This fascinating species is one of its largest and an important part of Michigan’s wildlife.
While it may look intimidating, the Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp is harmless and can be admired safely.
7. Four-toothed Mason Wasp
The four-toothed mason wasp (Monobia quadridens) is a type of wasp found in Michigan.
It is a solitary wasp that nests in pre-existing cavities such as tunnels created by other insects or holes in dead wood.
They usually have yellowish-brown bodies, black legs and antennae, and reddish-brown wings.
Female four-toothed mason wasps are about 0.3 to 0.4 inches long, while males are slightly smaller at about 0.2 to 0.3 inches long.
These wasps can often buzz around gardens and parks in early summer. Although they can sting, they usually only do so if threatened or disturbed.
8. Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp
The Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp (Xyloterinus politus) is a wasp native to Michigan.
These wasps create a unique gall known as an “oak rough bullet gall.” They are typically seen in the summer months and live in deciduous forests.
These types of wasps in Michigan measure 5-7 millimeters in length. They have a black and yellow striped body with a distinct white tuft of hair on the tip of their abdomen.
The Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp’s antennae are black with white spots and longer than its body length.
The larvae feed on the tissue within the gall while they develop and eventually emerge as adults.
The Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp feeds on nectar and honeydew produced by aphids and flower pollen.
This type of wasp benefits farmers because it helps control the population of harmful insects such as aphids.
The Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp is an important part of the Michigan ecosystem, helping to control the population of pests.
If you see one of these unique wasps around your home or garden, consider yourself lucky – they will surely bring you good luck!
9. Acorn Plum Gall Wasp
The Acorn Plum Gall Wasp, Neuroterus quercusbaccarum, is an endemic species of wasp found only in Michigan.
This small wasp measures about 3-4 millimeters long and has a metallic green body with a yellowish head.
The acorn plum gall wasp is a solitary wasp, and its larvae are parasitoids on the larvae of several species of oak trees.
The adult acorn plum gall wasp is a strong flier often seen flying around the edges of woodlands where oaks are present.
They feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew and lay their eggs inside the young, developing galls of oak trees.
When these eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the other gall insects that live inside the gall. As they mature, the larvae emerge from the gall and pupate into adults.
These types of wasps in Michigan are important natural enemies of oak gall-forming insects, which can cause significant damage to oaks if left unchecked.
Because of this, they can be beneficial for controlling pest populations in oak forests.
10. Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp
The yellow-legged mud-dauber wasp is a species found in the Midwest region of the United States.
In the spring and summer, they are typically seen around muddy areas, such as ponds and streams.
These wasps build their nests from the mud and other materials they collect.
A single nest can contain up to twenty cells, each stocked with several paralyzed spiders and insects, usually spiders.
After the female lays her eggs in the cells, she seals them shut with mud to protect them from predators.
The yellow-legged mud-dauber wasps are primarily predators of spiders. They hunt and paralyze spiders before bringing them back to their nest.
Once the spider is paralyzed, it is deposited in the cell, serving food for the larvae when it hatches.
In addition to spiders, these wasps feed on nectar from flowers, especially ones that produce high amounts of sugar, such as clovers and dandelions.
These wasps are beneficial to humans since they help to control spider populations.
11. German Yellowjacket
The German yellowjacket is an insect of the Vespidae family native to North America and found in Michigan.
It is identified by its yellow and black coloration and yellow bands around the thorax. German yellowjackets build large paper nests in walls, attics, and hollow trees.
Their nests consist of up to 15,000 workers and can reach sizes of up to two feet in diameter.
Knowing German yellow jackets is important since their stings can be painful and sometimes even dangerous to humans.
If you see a nest, you should contact a pest control expert who can safely remove it.
To protect your home from these pests, ensure all windows and doors are sealed properly and check for potential access points.
12. American Pelecinid Wasp
The American Pelecinid Wasp (Pelecinus polyturator) is a species of wasp found in North America.
It belongs to the family of ‘pelecinids,’ which includes around 20 species worldwide.
Adult wasps have distinct and unique shapes, with females being much larger than males.
They range from 2-3.5 cm long and are black or brownish, sometimes with yellow markings.
The American Pelecinid Wasps in Michigan feed on various insects and other arthropods, primarily beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.
Females dig burrows in the ground where they lay their eggs, which the larvae feed on. Adults often search for prey by hanging from the tip of vegetation or perching on plant stems.
The American Pelecinid Wasp is an important predator in agricultural fields, helping to control crop pests.
They are also beneficial in residential areas, as they help reduce populations of unwanted insects like flies and mosquitoes.
They are also among the few wasps not known to sting humans, so they can be enjoyed and appreciated without fear.
13. Fraternal Potter Wasp
The fraternal potter wasp is a type of solitary wasp found in Michigan.
These wasps are typically black or brown, with black and yellow markings on their bodies. They range in size from 1/2 to 5/8 inches long.
Fraternal potter wasps build nests made of mud and can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens.
The fraternal potter wasp feeds primarily on caterpillars. They use their mandibles to catch and paralyze their prey, which they then store inside the nest for their larvae to feed on.
These wasps are important pollinators and beneficial predators of other insects.
It is important to note that while these wasps are beneficial, they can still sting if provoked. As with all other stinging insects, it is best to avoid these wasps and never attempt to handle them.
14. Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp
The Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp, also known as Chalybion californicum, is a large solitary wasp commonly found in Michigan. It is steel blue in color.
These wasps have often been seen building nests in houses, garages, and other buildings.
The Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp is a species of wasp that typically feeds on spiders and other small insects. These wasps have long tongues, which they use to hunt down their prey.
The Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp also collects mud and uses it to construct its nest.
The female builds the nest out of the mud, lines it with spider webbing, and deposits an egg inside.
Once the egg hatches, the larva will consume the spiders and other prey stored in the nest.
The Nearctic Blue Mud-dauber Wasp is an important beneficial insect that helps reduce the population of spiders and other harmful insects.
While this wasp species may seem intimidating due to its size, they are harmless and rarely sting humans.
However, if you encounter one of these wasps, it is best to leave them alone and not try to remove their nests.
15. Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
The Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp is one of Michigan’s most recognizable types of wasps.
It is a large black wasp about 1 to 1.5 inches long with a distinctive long tail. The wasp has a slender body and a red head and thorax.
The Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp feeds on nectar, tree sap, and other plant materials.
This type of wasp can be found in Michigan’s gardens, fields, and wooded areas.
They usually nest in hollow trees or logs but can also nest in abandoned buildings.
These wasps benefit the environment by feeding on harmful insects such as caterpillars and aphids.
They also help pollinate flowers, which promotes the growth of plants and crops. However, they can become aggressive if disturbed, so it’s best to avoid them when possible.
While wasps are not typically considered dangerous to humans, they should still be treated respectfully, and caution should be exercised around them.
If you see a Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp, it’s best to keep your distance and let it go about its business.
16. Widow Yellowjacket
The Widow Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) is a type of wasp found throughout Michigan. It is about 0.3-0.5 inches long and black with yellow bands around it.
These wasps typically make their nests inside walls, leaves, and attics and are considered one of the most aggressive species of wasps found in Michigan.
These wasps can be quite aggressive and may sting if provoked. They are more likely to attack when there is a perceived threat or danger to their nest.
When disturbed or threatened, the Widow Yellowjacket becomes very agitated and swarms anyone or anything nearby.
Avoiding them and taking proper precautions when removing a nest is important.
The Widow Yellowjacket has a short lifespan, living only from spring to late summer. During this time, they will reproduce and build nests containing up to 1,000 wasps!
Although these types of wasps in Michigan can benefit gardeners and farmers by eating harmful pests, they can also cause significant damage to crops, trees, and plants.
Taking preventive measures to keep these wasps away from your property is important.
17. Hedgehog Gall Wasp
The hedgehog gall wasp is a type of insect found in Michigan. It has a black and yellow banded body and grows to be around 7-8 millimeters long.
The hedgehog gall wasp typically lays its eggs inside a round, spiny gall it creates on oak trees. Once the eggs are laid, they hatch into larvae, which feed on the tree’s tissues.
As they develop, the larvae create chambers inside the gall, where they remain until they are ready to pupate and emerge as adults.
Adult hedgehog gall wasps will feed on pollen, nectar, and other small insects.
18. Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp
The four-banded stink bug wasp (Ischnopterapicus michiganensis) is an insect that can be found in Michigan.
This species of wasp is known for its impressive coloration and unique behavior.
Its abdomen is mostly black, with two yellow stripes along each side of the thorax and a white stripe down the center of the abdomen.
The four-banded stink bug wasp is a solitary species, meaning it does not form colonies or nests like other wasps.
These wasps are most active during summer when they feed on nectar, pollen, and insects. They have also been known to eat stink bugs and grasshoppers.
The females will use their strong mandibles to chew through the prey’s exoskeleton to paralyze it before sucking out bodily fluids.
The four-banded stink bug wasp plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in Michigan by helping control pest species populations.
Because these wasps do not sting humans, they can be beneficial around your home or garden.
If you have seen these colorful wasps in your area, consider yourself lucky!
19. Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp
The Eastern cicada-killer wasp is a large wasp that can be found in eastern North America.
These wasps are solitary predators that hunt cicadas, which they kill and bring back to their nests.
Cicada-killer wasps do not threaten humans, but their large size and sting can be intimidating. There is no need to be alarmed if you see a cicada-killer wasp.
These types of wasps in Michigan pose no danger to humans and benefit the ecosystem.
However, if you are allergic to wasp stings, it is best to avoid these insects.
20. Golden Digger Wasp
The great golden digger wasp is a species of wasp that is native to North America.
These types of wasps in Michigan are large, with a wingspan of up to 2 inches, and strikingly golden in color.
They are named for their habit of digging burrows in the ground, which they use to rear their young.
Great golden digger wasps are solitary creatures; each female builds her burrow.
The wasp excavates a tunnel about 6 inches long and then creates a series of cells at the end of the tunnel.
She fills these cells with a mixture of nectar and pollen, which she has gathered from flowers, and then lays an egg in each cell.
The great golden digger wasp is an important pollinator of many native plants. It is also a predator, and its burrows help.
21. Aerial Yellowjacket
The common aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) is a wasp native to North America. It is commonly found in the eastern United States and Canada.
This species is most active in the late summer and early fall, when it is often seen foraging for food.
The common aerial yellowjacket is a predatory wasp that will hunt and kill other insects for food.
It is also known to feed on nectar and honeydew. This wasp is aggressive and will sting humans if threatened.
22. Eastern Yellowjacket
The Eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) is a species of yellowjacket wasp, and it is among the types of wasps in Michigan.
It is one of the most common yellow jackets in the region and is known for its aggressive behavior.
The Eastern yellowjacket is a yellow and black striped wasp typically around 12 to 15 mm long.
The female wasps are slightly larger than the males and have a stinger that is about 6 mm long.
The sting of the Eastern yellowjacket is very painful and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.
The wasp gets its name from the yellow and black stripes on its body, resembling a yellow jacket’s colors.
The Eastern yellowjacket is a social insect that lives in colonies of up to 3,000 individuals. The wasps build their nests underground,
23. Black Digger Wasp
The great black digger wasp is an insect native to North America. This wasp species is large, black, and has a stinger about half an inch long.
The great black digger wasp is a solitary creature that builds its nest in the ground.
These wasps are not aggressive and will only sting humans if threatened or provoked.
24. European Paper Wasp
The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is a paper wasp native to Europe. It is a social insect that lives in colonies of up to several thousand individuals.
The European paper wasp is a relatively large wasp with a body length of up to 1.6 cm (0.6 inches).
The black body has yellow head, thorax, and abdomen markings. The wings are clear with dark veins.
The European paper wasp is a common insect in Europe and can be found in various habitats, including forests, gardens, and urban areas. It is an important pollinator of many plant species.
The European paper wasp is not considered a pest and is not known to cause any damage to humans or property.
25. Bald-faced Hornet
The bald-faced hornet gets its name from its black-and-white coloring. This hornet is a type of wasp and is one of the largest wasps in North America.
The bald-faced hornet is a predatory wasp that feeds on other insects. It is also known for its aggressive nature and will sting humans if they feel threatened.
While the bald-faced hornet is not considered a major pest, it can become a nuisance if it builds its nest near your home.
If you see a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it’s best to leave it alone and contact a pest control professional to have it removed.
26. Dark Paper Wasp
The dark paper wasp (Polistes nigrinus) is a wasp found in North America. These wasps are black or dark brown and are about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in length.
The dark paper wasp is a predatory insect that preys on other insects, such as flies, moths, and caterpillars. In Michigan, these types of wasps also feed on carrion and nectar.
The dark paper wasp is not considered a dangerous species to humans. However, it may sting if it feels threatened.
These wasps are not aggressive and usually only sting humans if handled roughly or if their nests are disturbed.
