Latin Name:  Dolichovespula maculata Linnaeus, 1763
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Length:  13 mm

Range:  Throughout Alberta

Habitat:  Various

Time of year seen:  Spring to Fall (Additional Sightings)

Diet: Insects,  nectar and rotting fruit

Other:  A widespread species ranging through much of Canada.  Nests are typically found above ground and contain 200 to 300 workers with one queen.  Bald-faced Hornets are beneficial insects in that they kill significant numbers of flies and occasionally Yellow Jackets.