Vespula

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A genus of wasps known for their aggressive behavior and social structure, often found in temperate regions
2. A type of yellowjacket wasp that typically builds nests in the ground or in sheltered spaces, comprising several species
3. An insect belonging to the family Vespidae, recognized for its distinctive yellow and black coloration and important ecological role as a predator of pests

Etymology: Vespula is a scientific name, not an ancient one. Taxonomists formed it from the Latin "vespa," meaning wasp, adding the diminutive ending "-ula," so the name likely means something like "little wasp." Naturalists often built genus names this way, borrowing classical vocabulary to give their labels a learned Latin ring. English has its own word for the insect, but it is unrelated. "Wasp" comes from Old English "wæsp," a native Germanic word, so the English and Latin words for the same creature developed along separate paths. The Latin word survives in other places, too, such as the Italian scooter brand Vespa, which takes its name from the wasp.

Synonyms: wasp, yellowjacket, hornet, paper wasp