common wasp
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A variety of vespid wasp: The "common wasp" refers to a specific, widespread type of social wasp belonging to the family Vespidae. It is typically characterized by its black and yellow striped abdomen and its tendency to build paper nests.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The common wasp is often seen buzzing around picnics in late summer.
- A nest of common wasps was found under the roof eaves.
- Unlike bees, the common wasp can sting repeatedly.
Advanced Usage
- "The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)": This is the full scientific name often used in formal or biological contexts to specify this particular species.
- The common wasp, Vespula vulgaris, is a key predator of many garden pests.
Variants and Related Words
- Wasp (n): The general term for insects of the suborder Apocrita that are neither bees nor ants. The common wasp is a type of wasp.
- Yellowjacket (n): In North American English, "yellowjacket" is often used interchangeably for species very similar or identical to the common wasp.
- Vespula (n): The genus to which the common wasp belongs.
Synonyms
- Yellowjacket (primarily US): A common synonym, especially for similar black-and-yellow social wasps.
- Social wasp: A broader term describing wasps that live in colonies, which includes the common wasp.
Related Phrases
- Wasp nest: The structure built by wasps, including the common wasp, from chewed wood pulp.
- It's important to remove a common wasp nest carefully.
- Wasp sting: The act or result of a wasp injecting venom.
- A common wasp sting can be painful but is rarely dangerous unless you are allergic.
Related Idioms
- To stir up a hornet's nest: While referring to hornets (a larger type of wasp), this idiom is conceptually related and means to cause a lot of trouble or anger. It illustrates the perceived aggressive nature of social wasps like the common wasp.
- His comments about the policy stirred up a hornet's nest.
Noun
- a variety of vespid wasp