I disagree with how benevolent this infographic paints wasps. Wasps bad. Wasps very bad.
The ecosystem services wasps provide are worth billions per year, and if you’ve got the flowers they need they’re generally pretty docile.
Check out the book Endless Forms. It’s an interesting exploration of types of wasps and hornets.
Also, the last house I lived in had wasps and yellow jackets all over the yard. I only got stung twice, both times by yellow jackets, because I once mowed their nest, and another time when my dog stuck his whole head in another nest. If you don’t have threatening energy, they have no concern for you
Paper wasps would rather bump you with their heads than sting. They are chill, and I’ve worked around them and left nests where I walk because they don’t bother me unless I get really close (and flail, that resulted in a sting).
The cicada killer description is spot on except it leaves out how absolutely massive they are. They look like a small red humming bird.
Having spent several summers living with dirt daubers, they don’t build nests in the ground, they build them right above your bed. Which I’d be fine with (cause they really never bother anyone) if they didn’t decide to do it at 6 AM SOUNDING LIKE AN ELECTRIC DRILL.
Chart is missing Charlie Brown
It’s missing bald faced hornets, which in addition to being ill tempered jerks like yellow jackets, can memorize faces of people who they perceive as a threat and will single them out of a group to attack.
