How does the waist structure of a yellowjacket compare to that of a true hornet?
Answer
Yellowjackets possess a significantly narrower waist than hornets
Differentiating between yellowjackets and hornets often comes down to proportional assessment of the body structure, specifically the waist. Hornets, generally being larger insects, tend to have a more robust and bulkier overall appearance relative to their length. In contrast, yellowjackets are defined by a conspicuously narrow waist, which is significantly more constricted when compared side-by-side with the waist structure of hornets. An insect described as mid-sized with a pronounced, nearly pinched waist is a strong indicator of a yellowjacket rather than the bulkier hornet type.
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