New Jersey is home to various wasps that many people may not be familiar with.
From European paper wasps to hornets and cicada killers, there are plenty of different types of wasps in New Jersey, the Garden State.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the lesser-known species of wasps that can be found in New Jersey, including how to identify them and the potential dangers they may pose.
Read on to learn more about the types of wasps in New Jersey that you might find in your backyard!
1. Thread-Waisted Wasp
The Thread-waisted Wasp, also known as Eremnophila aureonotata, is the first on our list of the types of wasps in New Jersey.
These wasps are usually dark brown or black and have a thread-like waist.
Furthermore, they build nests in the ground and feed on various insects.
The Thread-waisted Wasp is an important pollinator and can help with pest control in gardens and other areas.
2. Squarehead Wasp
The Squarehead Wasp (Ectemnius spp.) is second on this list of the types of wasps in New Jersey.
These large black and yellow wasps can be seen buzzing around the garden and along roadsides in the summertime.
They feed on nectar, pollen, and small insects like aphids. The larvae of the Squarehead Wasp feed on plant sap and can cause damage to ornamental and edible plants.
These wasps are easily recognized by their distinctive square-shaped head and long, thin body.
Their wings and bodies also have a distinctive yellow and black pattern. They are active during the day and can be seen searching for food in flower beds and gardens.
While they may look intimidating, they are actually quite harmless and beneficial, as they help keep pest populations under control.
3. Spider Wasp
The Spider Wasp (Auplopus) is a wasp native to New Jersey.
This small, black, and white-colored wasp can be seen hovering around the ground and is known for preying on spiders.
They build nests in sandy soils, so watch them when visiting beaches and other sandy areas.
The female Spider Wasp will often lay eggs in a spider’s web, and the larvae feed on the unsuspecting host.
It’s important to be aware of these creatures outdoors, as they can sting if provoked. Overall, this comes in third on our list of types of wasps in New Jersey.
4. Short-Tailed Ichneumon Wasp
The Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp (Ophion spp.) is a species of wasp found in New Jersey. This solitary wasp has a slender body and is a dark brown or black color.
Its wings are clear, and its head is slightly yellowish-orange. These wasps have antennae with ten segments and a shorter tail than many other wasp species.
Additionally, these particular types of wasps in New Jersey can live near the ground and in trees and shrubs.
They feed on insect larvae, including caterpillars, aphids, spiders, and other small insects.
They benefit the environment by helping to keep insect populations in check. Although they may sting if provoked, their stings are not painful or dangerous.
5. Scoliid Wasp
The Scoliid Wasp (Campsomeris plumipes fossulana) is a wasp native to New Jersey.
These wasps have long, slender bodies with distinct yellow and black striped patterns.
They have long, pointed abdomens, and their wings are clear and slightly iridescent.
Scoliid Wasps can be found in grasslands, gardens, and forests. They often nest in soil and compost piles and build nests in sheltered areas such as under porches and window frames.
This is not left out of the list of the different types of wasps in New Jersey.
6. Sand Wasp
Sand Wasps, commonly known as Bembix spp., are a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
These solitary wasps dig burrows in sandy soils and feed on insects like caterpillars and flies.
They play an important role in controlling pest populations and are important pollinators.
Coupled with that, Sand Wasps have black and yellow striped abdomens that can reach up to 2 cm in length.
They are an interesting species to observe as they go about their daily activities.
We are just getting started on this list of the types of wasps in New Jersey.
7. Ringed Paper Wasp
The Ringed Paper Wasp is one of the types of wasp in New Jersey. It is a large, black and yellow wasp with a reddish-brown ring around its abdomen.
The wings of the Ringed Paper Wasp are dark brown, and its antennae are black.
Also, this type of wasp is an active forager, often seen foraging for food in flowers, tree trunks, and gardens.
They also commonly build their nests in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, in attics, and hollow tree trunks.
The Ringed Paper Wasp is known to be quite defensive when disturbed and can become quite aggressive.
They have been known to sting if provoked and should be avoided by those who are allergic or sensitive to stings.
However, these wasps are beneficial as they are effective predators of many common garden pests, such as caterpillars, beetles, and aphids.
8. Red Paper Wasp
The Red Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.) is a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
These social wasps are some of the most common species of wasps in the region. They are typically red and black and can reach 1 inch long.
The Red Paper Wasp is also one of the types of wasp in New Jersey. They build their nests in sheltered areas, such as between rocks or tree branches.
Red paper wasps build nests composed of a single layer of cells made from chewed wood and plant matter, covered with a paper-like material.
These wasps can be beneficial as they feed on nectar and insects, including caterpillars and aphids, which makes them important pollinators.
While they can sting, they are generally quite docile and will only do so when threatened. It is best to avoid disturbing their nests and take caution when near them.
9. Potter Wasp
The Potter Wasp, also known as Eumenes fraternus, is one of the interesting types of wasps in New Jersey.
This wasp builds its nest by forming mud-like cells attached to twigs, leaves, or other small objects.
Each cell has a single egg, and once the egg hatches, the larva feeds on insects pre-stored in the cell.
Potter Wasps are social species and can be seen in groups of up to dozens of individuals.
These wasps rarely sting and can be beneficial as they feed on many garden pests, such as caterpillars and aphids.
Despite their appearance, these wasps do not threaten humans and can make for interesting additions to your backyard wildlife.
10. Northern Paper Wasp
The Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is one of the most common types of wasps in New Jersey.
These wasps are identified by their reddish-brown bodies, black wings, and yellow markings on their head.
They usually build their nests in sheltered areas such as roofs or walls of houses and other structures.
The female wasp will build a nest out of paper-like material that she produces from her saliva.
Northern Paper Wasps typically feed on nectar and small insects.
11. Metric Paper Wasp
The Metric Paper Wasp (Polistes metricus) is a type of wasp found throughout New Jersey.
This species of wasp is characterized by its distinctive orange and black stripes and its small size, with lengths ranging from 3/4 to 1 inch.
Metric Paper Wasps are found in various habitats, from rural areas to urban centers.
They typically build paper-like nests in sheltered places such as tree crevices, eaves of houses, or under porches.
Metric Paper Wasps feed on nectar and insects, such as caterpillars, spiders, and flies. They also forage for their larvae, gathering other insects and spiders to feed them.
Moreover, these wasps are solitary creatures and do not form colonies like other species.
Despite their small and solitary lifestyle, they can be aggressive when disturbed or threatened.
While these types of wasps in New Jersey rarely sting, they should still be treated cautiously when encountered.
12. Leucospid Wasp
The Leucospid Wasp is a type of wasp commonly found in New Jersey.
These small insects measure around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length and are usually dark metallic with pale yellow-greenish markings.
They are typically found near flowering plants and trees, feeding on nectar and pollen.
The Leucospid Wasp is also an important pollinator species, as it helps spread pollen from plant to plant, allowing healthy flowers and fruits to grow.
They are also beneficial insects to have around as they can help keep certain pests under control.
They are also types of wasps in New Jersey, and they prey on caterpillars and other insects that may damage plants.
13. Large Four-Spotted Scoliid Wasp
The large four-spotted scoliid wasp, Pygodasis quadrimaculata, is a species of wasp native to New Jersey.
This type of wasp is usually black with yellow spots and has a wingspan of up to 1 inch. The female wasps build nests by burrowing into the ground, containing up to 50 eggs.
These wasps are solitary, meaning they do not build large colonies or hives like other types of wasps in New Jersey.
Despite this, their population can still become quite large if they find an area with plenty of food sources like aphids and caterpillars.
As beneficial predators, they help control these insects’ populations, making them an important part of the local ecosystem.
14. Ichneumon Wasp
The Ichneumon Wasp, also known as Coelichneumon nevus, is a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
This insect is black and white with a long body and a slender abdomen. Its wings are short, with long antennae that can be seen from a distance.
These wasps feed on caterpillars, beetles, and other insects and are important predators that help to control pest populations.
They use their long ovipositors to inject their eggs into the host insect’s body, where the larvae feed on the host’s tissues.
This wasp species is commonly found near gardens, fields, and forests and may also be seen flying around lights at night.
While these wasps do have the potential to sting humans, they usually only do so if they are disturbed or threatened.
It is best to keep your distance if you see one of these types of wasps in New Jersey. Also, make sure to take precautions to avoid disturbing their nesting sites.
15. Hyperparasitic Wasp
Speaking of the various types of wasps in New Jersey, the Hyperparasitic Wasp (Taeniogonalos gundlachii) is one type.
This wasp species has adapted to live on other insects as a form of parasitism.
While they do not sting humans, they can be found living and feeding on other stinging wasps, making them an important part of the local ecosystem.
They are quite small, and their bodies are light brown in color, with black spots along the edges of their wings.
16. Horntail Wasp
The Horntail Wasp (Urocerus spp.) is one of the types of wasps in New Jersey found throughout the state.
These wasps have slender bodies and are usually dark brown or black.
Their long, needle-like ovipositor can identify them that they use to lay eggs in woody plants. The larvae feed on the sapwood of the host tree.
In New Jersey, these wasps can be found nesting in dead wood, such as stumps and fallen logs.
Their larvae feed on sapwood and plant tissue, which can damage the host tree if too many exist.
Fortunately, they are not considered a major pest and don’t cause much harm to trees. They can be beneficial to gardens since they prey on other garden pests.
17. Great Golden Digger Wasp
The Great Golden Digger Wasp, also known as Sphex ichneumoneus, is a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
These solitary wasps measure up to an inch long and have black and yellow stripes. Their bodies are usually brown with a tinge of blue or purple.
The Great Golden Digger Wasp is an amazing species, as it is a hunter-predator and digs burrows in the ground to provide shelter for its young. They also feed on various insects, including caterpillars and beetle larvae.
The Great Golden Digger Wasp has been known to use a stinging defense mechanism when threatened.
It will sting the intruder repeatedly, and if disturbed too much, it may even attack in large numbers.
This wasp species is important for New Jersey’s ecology, as it helps control certain insect pests’ populations.
It is also beneficial for pollination, helping to ensure that flowers and other plants can grow and thrive.
Overall, the Great Golden Digger Wasp is an important species in New Jersey’s natural ecosystem.
Also, it should be respected and protected for the good of the environment.
We aren’t done yet with this list of the types of wasps in New Jersey! Read further!
18. Great Black Wasp
The Great Black Wasp is one of the common types of wasp in New Jersey.
It is easily recognizable due to its large size and dark black color. Its body is roughly two centimeters long, and its wingspan can range from two to three centimeters.
The Great Black Wasp is a solitary wasp, meaning they do not build nests or colonies. Instead, they create individual burrows in the ground.
The Great Black Wasp has a unique behavior compared to other types of wasps. They hunt prey in the form of large caterpillars and paralyze them with their sting.
Once the prey is paralyzed, they fly away with it to their burrow, where they use it as food for their larvae.
The larvae then feed on the paralyzed caterpillar until it eventually dies.
19. Giant Ichneumon Wasp
The Giant Ichneumon Wasp (Megarhyssa spp) is a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
This large wasp species is characterized by its long, slender bodies that can reach lengths up to two inches.
Their black and yellow markings are also quite distinctive.
These wasps feed on the larvae of wood-boring insects, making them important predators in the ecosystem.
They typically lay their eggs inside the tunnels made by the larvae of these wood-boring insects, allowing their young to feed upon the larvae once they hatch.
Of the types of wasps in New Jersey, the Giant Ichneumon Wasp is considered a beneficial insect, as it helps to keep populations of wood-boring pests in check.
20. Four-Toothed Mason Wasp
The Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens) is an insect species native to New Jersey.
This insect is a social wasp and lives in small colonies in various habitats, including wooded areas, suburban yards, and gardens.
While they are harmless to humans, they can be a nuisance due to their habit of nesting in walls or eaves.
Four-toothed Mason Wasps are medium-sized, black and yellow with four sharp teeth on the edge of their abdomen.
These teeth give the insect its name and help them create nests in soil and other soft materials.
The females are larger than the males and can be up to 1/2 inch long. They have a wingspan of approximately 1 inch.
The Four-toothed Mason Wasps can become numerous, and their nests can last several years.
However, they can be beneficial to gardens by preying on certain pests.
If you find them a nuisance, use chemical insecticides or contact a pest control specialist for assistance.
If handled carefully, these types of wasps in New Jersey can also be safely relocated.
21. Five-Banded Thynnid Wasp
The five-banded thynnid wasp is one of many types of wasps in New Jersey. This type of wasp is relatively small, measuring up to just 13 millimeters in length.
It is predominantly black, with five yellow bands on its abdomen. The head and antennae are also yellow, and the wings are transparent.
The five-banded thynnid wasp is mostly active during the summer when it can be seen hovering around vegetation and flowers.
They feed on small insects, pollen, and nectar during this time. They also help pollinate plants while doing so.
Female five-banded thynnid wasps often dig burrows in soft soil where they lay their eggs, which later become adults.
22. European Paper Wasp
The European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) is a type of wasp commonly found in New Jersey.
This wasp species is quite large, with a body length of up to one inch and black and yellow stripes.
These wasps are highly social, living in colonies with only a few dozen members.
The European Paper Wasp builds distinctive, umbrella-shaped paper nests in sheltered areas such as tree cavities and under eaves.
These nests are made of small pieces of chewed wood and other materials. Not to forget, they are also one of the types of wasps in New Jersey!
The European Paper Wasp feeds on various insects, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. They also scavenge for food sources such as nectar and honeydew.
Although the European Paper Wasp can be aggressive when defending its nest or when disturbed, it is not considered to be a significant threat to humans.
23. Double-Banded Scoliid Wasp
The double-banded scoliid wasp (Scolia bicincta) is a type of wasp found in New Jersey.
These wasps are fairly small, measuring between 7 and 15 millimeters long, and have distinct black and yellow banding on their bodies.
The females have a stinger at the end of their abdomens, but this is only used for laying eggs, not for defense.
The double-banded scoliid wasp can be found in most areas of New Jersey, particularly in grassy fields and open woodlands.
These specific types of wasps in New Jersey feed on aphids and other small insects and lay their eggs inside them.
When the larvae hatch, they feed on the host insect until adulthood. The adult wasps then fly off to find more prey.
24. Cuckoo Wasp
Cuckoo wasps are a type of wasp in New Jersey that are quite fascinating.
These parasitoid wasps lay their eggs in the nests of other species of wasps, often those from the Vespidae family.
The cuckoo wasp larvae then consume the resources intended for the host wasp’s eggs, killing the host’s offspring.
Cuckoo wasps can be identified by their metallic colors and the spiny bristles that cover their bodies.
These unique creatures come in various sizes and shapes, ranging from small to large, and black or green.
While some species have been identified in New Jersey, there is still much to learn about these incredible wasps.
Further research into their life cycles, behavior, and ecology will help us better understand and protect this important insect group.
25. Common Thread-Waisted Wasp
The Common Thread-waisted Wasp (Ammophila procera) is a wasp native to New Jersey.
This wasp is one of North America’s largest wasps, reaching up to 1.25 inches in length.
It is mostly black, with a bright yellow spot on its thorax and a bright orange abdomen.
Thread-waisted Wasps, one of the types of wasps in New Jersey, are predators that feed mainly on caterpillars and other insects.
They are important to the ecosystem as they help keep pest populations under control.
These wasps also have an interesting behavior: when threatened, they will often curl their tail into a thread-like shape, hence their name!
26. Common Paper Wasp
The Common Paper Wasp (Polistes exclamans) is one of the most common species of wasp found in New Jersey.
These wasps are generally black and yellow with a reddish-brown head.
Their nests, made of paper-like material, are often found hanging from structures or on the underside of roof eaves.
The Common Paper Wasp is a solitary species living and foraging alone. These types of wasps in New Jersey feed primarily on caterpillars, small insects, and nectar.
They are active during the day and aggressively defend their nest if disturbed.
When they sting, they can cause mild to moderate pain, but they do not typically pose a significant threat to humans unless provoked.
The Common Paper Wasp is an important pollinator in many ecosystems and a natural form of pest control.
To help prevent potential wasp stings, keep a safe distance from their nests and take extra precautions, especially when working outdoors near areas where these wasps might be nesting.
27. Braconid Wasp
As we approach the end of this list of the various types of wasps in New Jersey, it is important to note that the braconid wasp (Atanycolus spp.) is one of the most commonly encountered types of wasps in New Jersey.
These small, black-and-white striped insects are typically no more than 5 to 8 millimeters long and can be found throughout the state during spring and summer.
What’s more? Braconid wasps feed on various insect pests, including aphids and caterpillars. While they can sting humans if threatened, they generally cause no harm.
Braconid wasps are also beneficial because they lay their eggs inside the bodies of their prey, which keeps garden pest populations in check.
28. Blue-Winged Wasp
Lastly, on this list of the types of wasps in New Jersey, the Blue-winged Wasp is a type of wasp that many people may not know about.
This wasp species is a large and impressive insect, measuring up to two inches long.
It can be easily identified by its bright metallic blue wings, orange body, and black antennae.
Blue-winged Wasps feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, and their larvae feed on ground-dwelling insects.
As such, they benefit gardeners and farmers as natural pest control.
They have also been observed preying on caterpillars and other larval stages of moths, making them useful in the fight against agricultural pests.
