Vespula squamosa, or the southern yellowjacket, is a social wasp. This species can be identified by its distinctive black and yellow patterning and orange queen.[1] This species is typically found in eastern North America, and its territory extends as far south as Central America.[1] Within these territories, they create enormous, multiple-comb nests.[2] The colonies may be either annual or perennial depending on the climate, and in many perennial nests, polygyny takes place.[3] In addition, this species uses pheromones both as a sexual attractant and an alarm signal.[4] This species feeds on insects and animal carcasses; it does not produce honey.[5] V. squamosa, a social insect, has developed a parasitic relationship with the species V. vidua and V. maculifrons.[2] Due to their painful, venomous stings, the species is considered a pest.[1]