What characteristic physical features do yellowjackets lack that differentiate them from honey bees?
Answer
Dense hair and pollen-carrying legs
While yellowjackets share a superficial resemblance to honey bees due to their common black and yellow banding pattern, they are biologically distinct wasps belonging primarily to the *Vespula* and *Dolichovespula* genera. A key morphological distinction lies in their body covering and leg structure. Honey bees are covered in dense, branching hairs which facilitate the collection and transport of pollen back to the hive. Yellowjackets, conversely, possess smooth, glossy exoskeletons, appearing much less hairy than bees. Furthermore, yellowjackets lack the specialized structures on their legs, known as corbiculae or pollen baskets, which are used by bees specifically for carrying pollen loads.
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