Vespula austriaca

Description

Vespula austriaca is an obligate parasitic wasp, parasitizing the nests of other species in the genus Vespula. Its common host species include V. acadica in the United States and V. rufa in Europe, Japan, and East Siberia. It is sometimes called the cuckoo yellowjacket wasp due to its inquiline lifestyle. V. austriaca wasps pollinate orchids. They differ from other parasitic wasps in their intensely aggressive behaviour during invasion and occupation of the host colony. Several morphological adaptations such as bigger body parts and more curved sting shafts are observed in these wasps to aid their aggressive parasitic behaviour. Once they occupy a host's nest, V. austriaca are known to engage in mauling and chasing of host workers and forced trophallaxis. Larvae will feed on spiders and other insects. Female wasps will also force host workers to feed and take care of their brood.