Bumble Bees (Bombus sp.)

Family: Apidae

Bumble bees are large insects, up to 25 mm in length. There are four different species in New Zealand and were introduced for pollination of clover. They mainly feed on nectar and pollen.

There nests are usually located underground and they can sting to defend themselves.

Pink Bats

On the right there is a photo of bumblebees making a nest in pink bats.

German wasp: (Vespula germanica) (Fabricius)

Family: Vespidae

This species of wasp was introduced to New Zealand Accidentally. It size does vary but a large Queen can be upto 20mm long.

The german wasp feeds on small insects, fruit, nectar and honeydew and also scavenges on dead fish.

They are known to nests underground or in crevices of buildings, barns, sheds etc. some people can be allergic to the sting of this wasp.

Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

Family: Apidae

This wasp is very similar in looks to that of a German Wasp, but usually without seperate black spots on its back. This wasp was accidentally introduced into New Zealand in the early 1920's (first nest found) but didn't really establish properly in New Zealand until the late 1970's. This wasp can sting.