Have you ever seen a wasp flying around your backyard in Oklahoma? Wasps can be intimidating, especially if they buzz around your head.
While it is true that some species of wasps can sting and deliver a painful bite, not all wasps pose a threat.
There are many different types of wasps in Oklahoma, and it is important to be able to identify them to know which ones to avoid.
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of wasps you might encounter in Oklahoma and how to tell them apart.
Oklahoma is home to various wasp species, many common and easily spotted throughout the state.Â
While some species benefit the environment, others can be dangerous to humans.
This guide will take us through Oklahoma’s most common types of wasps and discuss their characteristics, habitat, and behavior.
1. Blue-Winged Wasp
The blue-winged wasp is a common species of wasp found throughout Oklahoma. These wasps are recognizable by their black and yellow markings and blue wings.
They are the starters of this list of the types of wasps in Oklahoma and are known for their long, slender bodies.
The blue-winged wasp is often found hovering around flowering plants in search of nectar. In late summer, it may also be seen congregating in large numbers.
These wasps are not aggressive and rarely sting, although they may if they feel threatened.
The blue-winged wasp can be identified by its large head, narrow waist, and distinctive blue wings.
While they do not pose any danger to humans, they can be a nuisance as they tend to fly around windows and light fixtures in search of food.
2. Braconid Wasp
Braconid wasps, or aphid wasps, are parasitoid wasps found in Oklahoma. These small wasps are typically black and yellow, with slender bodies and pointed abdomens.
Their wings are usually marked with bright yellow spots, ranging from 1/8 to 3/4 of an inch long.
These wasps are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside a host organism, usually an aphid.
The larvae feed off the host until it is ready to pupate and emerge as an adult.
Braconid wasps are beneficial for controlling aphid populations, helping to keep plant-eating insects in check.
However, these wasps are also capable of stinging humans, so caution should be exercised when they are encountered.
They are second on our list of the different types of wasps in Oklahoma.
3. Metric Paper Wasp
The Metric Paper Wasp is a species of paper wasp found in Oklahoma. These wasps are common throughout the state but can also be found in other parts of the United States.
They are easily identifiable by their black and yellow striped bodies and their three-inch wingspan.
The Metric Paper Wasp feeds on nectar, pollen, and caterpillars and is an important pollinator in Oklahoma.
They can be found in nests of various sizes, usually built in sheltered areas such as eaves and porches.
While they are not considered particularly aggressive, they are types of wasps in Oklahoma that can sting if disturbed or threatened.
4. Noble Scoliid Wasp
The Noble Scoliid Wasp (Scolia noblitata) is a type of solitary wasp that can be found in the state of Oklahoma.
These wasps typically have a brown or reddish color and a length of around 15 to 20 millimeters.
They are known for their distinctive long antennae and three yellow-green stripes on their thorax.
These types of wasps in Oklahoma feed on other insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles, as well as flower nectar.
They build nests in the soil, usually in areas with little vegetation, and they can sometimes be found nesting in abandoned burrows or under rocks.
The Noble Scoliid Wasp plays an important role in the Oklahoma ecosystem by helping control other insect pests’ populations.
5. Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Norton’s Giant Ichneumon Wasp is one of Oklahoma’s largest wasp species. It is a parasitic species known for its long ovipositor, reaching 2-3 inches long.
The larvae of this species live inside of wood-boring beetle larvae, where they feed on the host.
This species is unique due to its size and life cycle; it is easily recognizable by its black coloration and yellow markings.
Norton’s Giant Ichneumon Wasp is generally seen from mid-summer to fall and can be found in wooded areas across Oklahoma.
6. Potter Wasp
The Potter Wasp is a species of mason wasp found in Oklahoma. It is easily identifiable by its bright colors, typically yellow and black.
These wasp species are solitary, meaning they do not form colonies and build mud nests on twigs or other flat surfaces.
The Potter Wasp uses the mud to build a single-cell chamber with a protective dome, then lays its eggs and seals them.
The larvae feed on various small insects, and the adult wasps feed on flower nectar. They benefit gardeners by helping control populations of pest insects.
7. Red Paper Wasp
The Red Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.) is one of Oklahoma’s most common types of wasps.
They have reddish bodies and black wings and typically build paper-like nests in protected areas such as under eaves, trees, and other protected places.
Red Paper Wasps feed mainly on nectar, pollen, and aphids and help control the populations of these pests.
They can become aggressive when disturbed and should not be approached without caution.
8. Ringed Paper Wasp
The Ringed Paper Wasp is a large black wasp commonly found in Oklahoma. Its body is covered in orange-yellow bands, and its legs are yellow.
The females‘ wings are also black but highlighted with orange lines. They typically build their nests on rocks or in hollow tree trunks.
They prey on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects and can be found foraging in gardens, fields, and other areas.
We are still on this list of Oklahoma’s various types of wasps.
9. Sand Wasp
Sand Wasps are common throughout Oklahoma and can be found in areas with sandy soil.
These wasps are solitary creatures and dig their nesting tunnels in the sand.
They are about a quarter of an inch long and typically have a reddish-brown color with yellow and black markings.
The females feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, while the males feed on insects such as flies and aphids.
They benefit humans as they help control insect populations by preying on them.
They are types of wasps in Oklahoma that also act as pollinators for some plants.
10. Short-Tailed Ichneumon Wasp
The Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp is a species of parasitic wasp found throughout Oklahoma.
This species prefers to feed on other insects, such as caterpillars, and can be identified by their short antennae and black coloring.
Their wings are transparent, with a yellow and white band around the edge. They also have a curved, yellow-colored ovipositor at the end of their abdomen.
These wasps help control pests’ populations, helping protect crops and gardens from damage.
If you desire to know more about the types of wasps in Oklahoma, read further!
11. Squarehead Wasp
Squarehead Wasps are one of the most common types of wasps in Oklahoma. They are commonly found in grassy areas, such as fields and lawns.
These wasps are approximately 0.5 to 1 inch long and have slender bodies with black and yellow stripes.
The head of the squarehead wasp is usually a pale yellowish-orange color and has four dark spots on it.
Squarehead wasps feed on nectar and small insects and use their long jaws to capture prey. They fly around flowers during the day and become active at night.
These wasps build nests in soil or trees, typically around 5 feet from the ground. Nests are made from wood fibers and contain multiple cells for larvae.
Depending on the species, these cells can be lined with paper or mud.
Squarehead wasps are solitary insects, meaning they do not live in large colonies like other types of wasps in Oklahoma.
They can benefit the environment as they help control insect populations.
12. Common Thread-Waisted Wasp
The Common Thread-waisted Wasp, or Ammophila procera, is a species of wasp found in Oklahoma.
This species is typically black with yellow markings on its abdomen. It can measure up to 2.5 cm long and has an extremely slender waist.
These types of wasps in Oklahoma are predatory, hunting and consuming other insects.
They have been observed hovering around flowers in search of nectar, though their main source of food is still thought to be other arthropods.
These wasps are solitary creatures that build their nests in the ground, usually in grassy or sandy areas.
When defending their nest, the Common Thread-waisted Wasps will display aggressive behavior. They can sting repeatedly when provoked, which is said to be painful.
Luckily, these wasps are not considered a significant threat to humans. However, they should be avoided when encountered.
As with all types of wasps in Oklahoma, they are important pollinators and help to keep pest populations under control.
13. Cuckoo Wasp
Cuckoo wasps, which belong to the family Chrysididae, are some of Oklahoma’s most interesting types of wasps.
These wasps are metallic green or blue and are relatively small in size.
Cuckoo wasps have distinctively long and slender bodies. They are named after their habit of laying eggs in the nests of other insects, such as bees or ants.
In Oklahoma, these wasps can be found in wooded areas where they feed on nectar and small insects.
These wasps play an important role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance.
They help control pest populations by preying on other insects and are also beneficial pollinators.
It is important to be aware of cuckoo wasps when working in areas where they may be present, as they can inflict a painful sting.
Although the sting is generally harmless, it can be quite painful and may cause swelling at the site of the sting.
14. Double-Banded Scoliid Wasp
The Double-banded Scoliid Wasp (Scolia bicincta) is a type of wasp found in Oklahoma.
This insect is medium-sized, black, or blue, with two orange stripes across the abdomen.
These wasps are known for their impressive flying abilities, reaching up to 100 miles per hour!
This wasp species is mostly solitary, meaning they do not form large colonies like other wasps in Oklahoma.
They are also predatory, feeding on other insects like flies, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
The female double-banded scoliid wasp builds her nest on the ground, using mud and plant material to construct a chamber for the eggs and larvae.
Oklahoma‘s specific types of wasps can benefit humans as they prey on other harmful insects.
They are not typically aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed.
If you spot one of these wasps in your yard, try to leave it alone and observe from a distance.
It’s possible to coexist peacefully with these fascinating insects with patience and caution.
15. European Paper Wasp
European Paper Wasps are also one of the most common types of wasps in Oklahoma. They have an orange and black banded abdomen with a yellow head.
They are social creatures that build large nests from bits of paper that hang from trees, shrubs, and eaves of houses.
They feed on other insects, including caterpillars and aphids, which can benefit gardens.
European Paper Wasps are more aggressive than other wasp species and will sting if threatened.
European Paper Wasps can be found throughout Oklahoma, especially in areas with many trees and shrubs.
Their nests can grow large, and multiple nests may be built in the same area.
Taking precautions when dealing with these wasps is important, as their stings can sometimes be painful and dangerous.
If you find a nest on your property, it is best to contact a pest control expert to remove it safely.
16. Five-Banded Thynnid Wasp
The five-banded thynnid wasp is one of Oklahoma’s most common wasps species.
These large, black and yellow wasps can be found nesting in trees or shrubs or, in some cases, even on the sides of buildings.
They usually measure about 1.5 to 2.5 inches long and have black bodies with bright yellow stripes across their abdomen.
They are also characterized by the five bands, two yellow and three black, on their wings.
These wasps feed on various insects, including caterpillars and soft-bodied insects such as aphids, moths, flies, and grasshoppers.
They also scavenge for food in trash cans or on carrion and can often be seen around picnic areas.
While they are not aggressive, these types of wasps in Oklahoma can become defensive if they feel threatened.
If disturbed, they may sting humans and animals to defend themselves, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
17. Four-Toothed Mason Wasp
The four-toothed Mason wasp is one of Oklahoma’s many types of wasps.
It is a solitary wasp, meaning it does not live in colonies like social wasps such as hornets and yellow jackets do.
The four-toothed Mason wasp is typically brownish-black with some yellow markings on its body.
It measures around 1/2 inch long and has four teeth on its head. This wasp builds its nest inside masonry or pre-existing cavities, usually in the crevices of buildings or homes.
It builds nests out of mud or chewed wood and uses these as nurseries for its larvae. These larvae feed on other insects, making them an effective form of pest control.
These wasps can be beneficial as they help control populations of other insects, such as ants and flies.
However, when disturbed or provoked, they can sting multiple times, so it is important to exercise caution when dealing with them.
If you have noticed many four-toothed Mason wasps in your area, contact a professional pest control service for assistance in removing them from your property.
18. Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Giant Ichneumon Wasps are a type of wasp in Oklahoma. This species of wasp can reach sizes of up to 2 inches in length and have a distinctively long, slender body with a tail-like structure.
Giant Ichneumon Wasps are parasitoids, which means they lay their eggs in the bodies of other insects, usually wood-boring beetles.
They can be identified by their long ovipositor, which inserts their eggs into the host’s body.
Giant Ichneumon Wasps often hover around trees and shrubs in search of their host.
In Oklahoma, these wasps are most common in summer and found in wooded areas, parks, and gardens.
Though Giant Ichneumon Wasps are relatively harmless to humans, they should be treated cautiously.
The sting of this type of wasp can be painful and cause redness and swelling at the site of the sting.
If you encounter a Giant Ichneumon Wasp in Oklahoma, it is best to leave the area and avoid contact with the insect.
19. Great Black Wasp
The Great Black Wasp is a species of solitary wasp found in Oklahoma.
These wasps are large, with black and yellow coloring, and are easily identifiable. They are most active during the day and are often seen foraging for food.
The Great Black Wasp is a powerful hunter, preying on crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects.
When disturbed, the Great Black Wasp will become very defensive and can even sting multiple times if provoked.
It is important to note that these wasps are not considered aggressive or dangerous to humans and should not be feared or avoided.
They play an important role in the local ecosystem by controlling pest populations.
20. Great Golden Digger Wasp
The great golden digger wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus, is found in Oklahoma and throughout much of the United States.
It is a solitary wasp that lives alone and is not typically aggressive. It can grow up to 1.5 inches long and has bright yellow and black markings.
It is usually active during the day and often hovers around gardens and grassy areas for food.
This wasp prey primarily on grasshoppers, crickets, and other small insects. Equally important, it is one of the types of wasps in Oklahoma.
They paralyze their prey with their sting before dragging them back to their underground burrows to feed their larvae. The adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen from flowers.
While they are generally harmless to humans, they should be avoided if possible due to their powerful sting.
