What does vespid mean?
A vespid is any wasp in the family Vespidae, a large and varied group that includes yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, potter wasps, mason wasps, and numerous solitary species. Although its members are commonly called true wasps, the word “vespid” is chiefly a taxonomic label rather than an everyday term. Vespids may live in large social colonies, as yellowjackets do, or alone, as many potter and mason wasps do. The family is generally recognized by its narrow waist, two pairs of wings, and, in most species, a stingable ovipositor modified for defense or prey capture. Many species capture caterpillars or other soft-bodied insects, making them potentially useful predators in gardens and agricultural landscapes. In ordinary English, speakers are more likely to use “wasp” or the particular common name of a species. Knowing “vespid” makes it possible to discuss this entire family with precision, especially in biological and ecological contexts.
nounAny wasp belonging to the family Vespidae, a large group that includes yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, and many solitary and social species.
- A member of the insect family Vespidae; a wasp of any of the social or solitary species included in that family.
"A vespid landed on the garden fence, its narrow waist and folded wings visible in the morning light."
"The entomologist identified the unfamiliar insect as a vespid and recorded it among the flowering shrubs."
"Researchers used pitfall traps to measure the abundance of vespids across the meadow."
The standard plural adds -s and is used when referring to multiple members of the family.
"Several vespids were observed flying among the flowers."
Some vespids chew wood pulp into umbrella-shaped paper combs, giving paper wasps their aptly descriptive name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How vespid is actually used
Vespid is a specialist zoological term used primarily in taxonomy, field guides, and entomological research. In ordinary conversation, people generally say “wasp” or a more specific common name such as “yellowjacket” or “paper wasp.”