What does a queen wasp look like?

The queen wasp is typically a quarter-inch longer than the other wasps and can be distinguished by its pointed lower abdomen and narrow waist-like section. However, some species of wasps do not have such noticeable characteristics that signify queen status.

Yellow jacket queens are raised in a different part of the nest than other wasps. Paper wasps all look alike from birth. The majority of wasp species are non-stinging. Wasps come in numerous colors, with the brightest colors indicative of the stinging wasp family Vespidae. All wasp species construct nests from wood fibers that are made into a pulp. Wasps are omnivorous and reach a maximum length of 1 1/2 inches.