21 Types of Wasps (Ranked by Sting Pain)

There are over 18,000 species of wasps in North America, and while most go unnoticed, many are a part of everyday life. Some wasps are aggressive and territorial, while others are harmless and beneficial, playing a crucial role as pollinators and natural pest controllers. In this article we break down 21 major types of wasps, grouping them into easily recognizable categories so you can quickly identify what you’re dealing with. Let’s have a look!

1. Velvet ants

• Family: Mutillidae
• Size: 0.2 – 1 inch (5 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 10/10

Despite their name, velvet ants are not ants at all—they are wasps. You may have spotted these fuzzy, brightly colored insects crawling across sandy paths or open fields. The females are wingless and known for delivering one of the most painful stings of any insect, earning them the nickname “cow killers.”

Velvet ants are solitary and do not form colonies. The females hunt other wasps and bees, laying their eggs inside the nests of unsuspecting hosts.

Types of velvet ants

• Dasymutilla occidentalis – The largest North American species, known as the “cow killer.”
• Dasymutilla gloriosa – A striking white species found in desert regions.

2. Spider wasps & tarantula hawks

• Family: Pompilidae
• Size: 0.5 – 2.5 inches (12 – 65 mm)
• Sting pain: 8–9/10

Spider wasps are solitary hunters that specialize in capturing and paralyzing spiders to feed their larvae. You may have seen them dragging a spider across the ground or searching for a burrow to lay their eggs. They are generally not aggressive toward humans but will deliver a highly painful sting if provoked.

One of the most famous and largest spider wasps is the tarantula hawk, which specifically hunts tarantulas. These wasps are instantly recognizable by their iridescent blue-black bodies and bright orange wings. Their sting is ranked among the most excruciating of all insects, but they rarely attack humans unless handled.

Most common spider wasps

• Rusty spider wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus) – Recognizable by its rusty-orange coloration, commonly seen in gardens.
• Great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) – A large, shiny black wasp often seen in open fields and meadows.
• Giant tarantula hawk (Pepsis grossa) – One of the largest and most well-known spider wasps, famous for its incredibly painful sting.
• Pepsis mildei – Another large tarantula hawk species, commonly found in desert regions.

3. Yellowjackets

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Vespinae
• Size: 0.5 – 0.8 inches (12 – 20 mm)
• Sting Pain: 7/10

Yellowjackets are some of the most aggressive wasps you’ll encounter. They are small, fast-moving, black-and-yellow wasps that build paper nests in the ground, inside walls, or in trees. You may have seen them swarming around open soda cans, trash bins, or outdoor cookouts, aggressively searching for sugary foods and proteins.

Unlike bees, yellowjackets can sting multiple times, and they don’t hesitate to defend their nests. If you disturb one, you’ll likely face a swarm of angry wasps within seconds.

Common yellowjacket species

• Eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) – Often found in lawns and gardens, nests underground.
• German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) – A frequent home invader, known for nesting inside walls.
• Southern yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa) – Highly aggressive, found mostly in southern states.
• Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica) – A major picnic pest, often scavenging for food near humans.
• Bald-Faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) – A large, black-and-white yellowjacket, often mistaken for a hornet.

4. Hornets

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Vespinae
• Size: 0.75 – 2 inches (19 – 50 mm)
• Sting pain: 7/10

Hornets are large, social wasps known for their aggressive defense of their nests. Unlike yellowjackets, they usually build their paper nests above ground in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. Their size and powerful sting make them intimidating, but they are less likely to sting unprovoked compared to yellowjackets.

Hornets are important predators, feeding on other insects to support their colony. They are often mistaken for yellowjackets, but they are larger and have more distinct black-and-white or black-and-orange markings.

Types of hornets

• European hornet (Vespa crabro) – The only true hornet in North America, introduced from Europe.
• Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) – Technically a yellowjacket, but commonly called a hornet due to its large size and aggressive nature.
• Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) – Commonly known as the “murder hornet,” this invasive species was first detected in North America in 2019. It is the world’s largest hornet and poses a threat to honeybee populations.

5. Cicada killers

• Family: Crabronidae
• Size: 1 – 2 inches (25 – 50 mm)
• Sting pain: 4/10

Cicada killers are large, solitary wasps known for their intimidating size but relatively docile nature. You may have seen them digging burrows in loose soil or flying low over grassy areas in search of cicadas. Despite their menacing appearance, they rarely sting humans unless handled.

Females paralyze cicadas with their sting and drag them into underground tunnels to feed their larvae. These wasps are important natural controllers of cicada populations, particularly in the late summer.

Only a few species of cicada killers exist

• Eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) – The most common species, found across the eastern and central U.S.
• Western cicada killer (Sphecius grandis) – Similar in appearance but primarily found in the southwestern U.S.
• Caribbean cicada killer (Sphecius hogardii) – Native to Florida and nearby islands.

6. Ground wasps

• Family: Crabronidae & Sphecidae
• Size: 0.4 – 1 inch (10 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 4/10

Ground wasps are a broad category of solitary wasps that burrow into loose soil or sandy areas to create nests. You may have noticed small holes in the dirt where these wasps emerge, or seen them darting low across open spaces as they search for food.

Most ground wasps are non-aggressive and beneficial, preying on insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars. However, some species will defend their nests if disturbed.

Types of ground wasps

• Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) – A bright orange and black wasp that hunts grasshoppers.
• Steel-blue cricket hunter (Chlorion aerarium) – Recognizable by its metallic blue body, preys on crickets.
• Sand wasp (Bembix americana) – Often found in coastal dunes and sandy environments.

7. Beewolves

• Family: Crabronidae
• Size: 0.4 – 0.8 inches (10 – 20 mm)
• Sting pain: 4/10

Beewolves are solitary wasps that get their name from their ability to hunt and paralyze bees. You may have seen them digging burrows in sandy areas or hovering near flowering plants where they ambush their prey.

Unlike most wasps, beewolves are highly specialized predators that specifically target honeybees and other pollinators. They carry paralyzed bees into their nests to feed their larvae.

Only a few species of beewolves exist

• European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) – An introduced species in North America.
• Philanthus gibbosus – A native beewolf found in sandy regions.

8. Sand wasps

• Family: Crabronidae
• Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (12 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 3/10

Sand wasps are a group of solitary wasps that nest in sandy soil, often near beaches, dunes, or dry riverbanks. You may have noticed their burrows appearing as small holes in loose ground, with the wasps darting in and out as they hunt.

These wasps are fast-flying predators, specializing in capturing flies and other small insects, making them beneficial for pest control.

Most common sand wasps

• Bembix americana – One of the most widespread species in North America.
• Steniolia elegans – Recognized by its distinctive black-and-white markings.

9. Paper wasps

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Polistinae
• Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (13 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 3/10

Paper wasps are named for their open, umbrella-shaped nests made of chewed plant fibers. These social wasps are less aggressive than yellowjackets and hornets but will defend their nests if disturbed. You may have seen their nests under eaves, inside sheds, or attached to fences and tree branches.

Unlike yellowjackets, paper wasps primarily hunt caterpillars and other insects, making them beneficial for natural pest control. They have long, slender bodies with distinct yellow, brown, or reddish markings.

Common species of paper wasps

• Northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus) – Found across the U.S., often builds nests on buildings.
• European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) – An invasive species that thrives in urban areas.
• Texas paper wasp (Polistes apachus) – Recognized by its bold yellow and brown markings.
• Red paper wasp (Polistes carolina) – A reddish-brown wasp common in the southeastern U.S.

10. Thread-waisted wasps

• Family: Sphecidae
• Size: 0.5 – 1.5 inches (12 – 38 mm)
• Sting pain: 3/10

Thread-waisted wasps are known for their extremely thin, elongated waists that give them a distinctive appearance. You may have seen them hovering low over gardens or carrying paralyzed insects to their underground burrows. These wasps are solitary hunters that specialize in preying on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.

They are non-aggressive and rarely sting unless handled. Their long, narrow bodies help distinguish them from other wasps.

Most common thread-waisted wasps

• Great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) – A large, jet-black species commonly found in gardens.
• Golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) – Recognizable by its orange body and iridescent wings.

11. Mud daubers

• Family: Sphecidae
• Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (12 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 2/10

Mud daubers are solitary wasps known for their unique mud tube nests. Unlike social wasps, they do not defend their nests aggressively and rarely sting humans. You may have seen their long, slender bodies hovering near garages, barns, or under porches.

These wasps are highly beneficial as they hunt and paralyze spiders to feed their larvae. Their mud nests are often found in sheltered areas, and they abandon them once their young hatch.

Types of mud daubers

• Black and yellow mud dauber (Sceliphron caementarium) – One of the most common species, easily recognized by its bright yellow legs.
• Blue mud dauber (Chalybion californicum) – A metallic blue wasp that preys on black widow spiders.
• Organ pipe mud dauber (Trypoxylon politum) – Builds long, tube-like nests that resemble organ pipes.

12. Potter wasps

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Eumeninae
• Size: 0.3 – 1 inch (8 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 2/10

Potter wasps are solitary wasps known for their distinctive, vase-shaped mud nests. You may have seen their small, round clay nests attached to walls, fence posts, or tree branches. These wasps are not aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked.

Unlike social wasps, potter wasps hunt caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, paralyzing them and sealing them inside their mud nests as food for their larvae. Their beneficial role in controlling garden pests makes them an ally to many homeowners.

Most common potter wasps

• Apache wasp (Eumenes bollii) – A black-and-white wasp that builds small pot-like nests.
• Fraternal potter wasp (Eumenes fraternus) – One of the most frequently seen species in gardens.
• Dark-winged potter wasp (Eumenes verticalis) – Recognizable by its dark wings and yellow markings.

13. Mason wasps

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Eumeninae
• Size: 0.3 – 1 inch (8 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 2/10

Mason wasps are solitary wasps that build their nests in small crevices, using mud or pre-existing holes in wood. You may have seen them using cracks in buildings, fence posts, or abandoned beetle tunnels. They are similar to potter wasps but prefer to use natural cavities instead of constructing free-standing nests.

These wasps are beneficial predators, hunting caterpillars and beetle larvae. They are not aggressive and will only sting if handled.

Most common mason wasps

• Monobia quadridens – One of the most frequently encountered species, often seen nesting in wood.
• Euodynerus foraminatus – Recognized for its distinctive yellow and black markings.

14. Blue-winged wasps

• Family: Scoliidae
• Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (12 – 25 mm)
• Sting pain: 2/10

Blue-winged wasps are striking pollinators known for their iridescent blue-black wings and orange-striped bodies. You may have seen them hovering around gardens or burrowing in loose soil. Unlike aggressive wasps, these are solitary and rarely sting humans.

They are beneficial insects because their larvae feed on Japanese beetle grubs, helping to control beetle populations in lawns and gardens.

Only a few species of blue-winged wasps exist

• Two-spotted scoliid wasp (Scolia dubia) – The most common species, often seen in gardens.
• Texas scoliid wasp (Scolia texana) – Found primarily in the southwestern U.S.

15. Pollen wasps

• Family: Vespidae | Subfamily: Masarinae
• Size: 0.3 – 0.8 inches (8 – 20 mm)
• Sting pain: 1/10

Pollen wasps are unique among wasps because they collect pollen and nectar instead of hunting insects. You may have mistaken one for a bee while watching them visit flowers in dry, open areas. Their feeding habits make them essential pollinators.

Unlike social wasps, pollen wasps live solitary lives and build mud nests for their larvae. They are pretty much harmless and will rarely sting.

Most common pollen wasps

• Pseudomasaris vespoides – A black and yellow wasp that resembles a small hornet.
• Pseudomasaris edwardsii – A desert-dwelling species known for pollinating wildflowers.

16. Cuckoo wasps

• Family: Chrysididae
• Size: 0.2 – 0.6 inches (5 – 15 mm)
• Sting pain: 1/10

Cuckoo wasps are small, brilliantly colored wasps with a metallic blue, green, or red exoskeleton. You may have seen them hovering near wood or burrowing into sandy soil. Unlike most wasps, they do not build nests or hunt prey. Instead, they lay their eggs inside the nests of other solitary wasps and bees, where their larvae consume the host’s offspring.

These wasps are mostly harmless to humans and will rarely sting, instead curling into a ball to protect themselves if threatened. Their tough exoskeleton makes them highly resistant to attacks from other insects.

Most well-known cuckoo wasps

• Chrysis angustula – A metallic green wasp commonly found in gardens.
• Chrysura refulgens – Recognized by its deep blue coloration.
• Pseudomalus auratus – A striking gold-colored species.

17. Ruby-tailed wasps

• Family: Chrysididae
• Size: 0.2 – 0.5 inches (5 – 12 mm)
• Sting pain: 1/10

Ruby-tailed wasps are some of the most visually striking wasps, known for their metallic red, blue, and green exoskeletons. You may have seen them exploring walls, wood, or bee nests as they search for places to lay their eggs. These wasps are kleptoparasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps.

While they do not sting, they are highly adaptable and can survive harsh environments due to their tough exoskeleton.

Most common ruby-tailed wasps

• Chrysis ignita – A brilliantly colored species found near wooden structures.
• Chrysura refulgens – Known for its deep blue and red hues.

18. Parasitic wasps

• Family: Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Pteromalidae
• Size: 0.1 – 1.5 inches (3 – 38 mm)
• Sting pain: n/a

Parasitic wasps are a vast group of wasps that do not sting but instead use their specialized ovipositors to inject eggs into other insects. You may not even realize these wasps are present, as they often resemble tiny flies or mosquitoes.

They play a critical role in pest control by targeting agricultural pests such as caterpillars, beetles, and aphids. Because of this, some species are used in commercial farming to help reduce the need for pesticides.

Only a few parasitic wasps are commonly noticed

• Ichneumon wasp (Megarhyssa macrurus) – A long-bodied wasp that lays eggs inside tree-boring beetle larvae.
• Braconid wasp (Cotesia congregata) – A parasitoid of tomato hornworms.
• Emerald cockroach wasp (Ampulex compressa) – Known for its ability to turn cockroaches into zombies.

19. Gall wasps

• Family: Cynipidae
• Size: 0.04 – 0.3 inches (1 – 8 mm)
• Sting pain: n/a

These wasps are tiny and non-stinging. They cause plants to form abnormal growths called galls. You may have noticed round, woody lumps on oak leaves or stems—these are the protective structures formed around gall wasp larvae.

Gall wasps do not pose any threat to humans and do not require pest control. Their complex relationship with plants makes them a fascinating group of insects.

Types of gall wasps

• Oak apple gall wasp (Amphibolips confluenta) – Causes large, round galls on oak leaves.
• Jumping oak gall wasp (Neuroterus saltatorius) – Creates tiny galls that appear to “jump” on the ground.
• Wool sower gall wasp (Callirhytis seminator) – Forms white, woolly galls on oak trees.

20. Fig wasps

• Family: Agaonidae
• Size: 0.04 – 0.2 inches (1 – 5 mm)
• Sting pain: n/a

Fig wasps are tiny, non-stinging wasps that play an essential role in fig tree pollination. You may not have seen them, but if you’ve eaten a fig, you’ve benefited from their work. These wasps have a symbiotic relationship with fig trees, where they pollinate the flowers while laying their eggs inside the fruit.

Each species of fig tree relies on a specific fig wasp species for pollination. Without these wasps, wild fig populations would collapse, making them some of the most ecologically important wasps in the world.

Only a few species of fig wasps exist

• Blastophaga psenes – The primary pollinator of cultivated figs.
• Pegoscapus spp. – Pollinates many wild fig species in the Americas.

21. Chalcid wasps

• Family: Chalcididae
• Size: 0.04 – 0.3 inches (1 – 8 mm)
• Sting pain: n/a

Chalcid wasps are tiny, parasitic wasps that target the larvae of other insects, including beetles, moths, and flies. You may have never noticed them due to their small size, but they are crucial for keeping pest populations in check.

These wasps do not sting and are completely harmless to humans. Many species are used in agricultural pest control to naturally reduce insect infestations.

Only a few species of chalcid wasps are well known

• Brachymeria intermedia – A parasitoid of caterpillars and butterflies.
• Conura side – Preys on beetle and moth larvae.