What concept describes the seasonal timing of life cycle events, critical to yellowjacket survival in temperate zones?

Phenological timing

The concept governing when yellowjackets initiate and progress through their life cycle stages relative to seasonal availability of resources and climate conditions is known as phenological timing. This timing involves critical evolutionary trade-offs; for example, emerging earlier might secure the first insect resources but carries the severe risk of colony destruction via a late frost. Conversely, waiting for warmer conditions reduces frost risk but increases competition for desirable, sheltered nesting cavities, which can be intensified by the presence of larger, established competitors like the invasive European Hornet (*Vespa crabro*). The success of a nascent colony hinges on the queen successfully navigating these phenological windows to establish the first brood before external pressures overwhelm her capacity to manage maintenance and defense.