A wasp with yellow and black stripes on its abdomen is likely a?

A wasp displaying yellow and black stripes on its abdomen is likely a Yellow jacket. Yellow jackets are known for their distinctive coloring, which consists of bright yellow and black patterns that are highly recognizable. These wasps are social insects and often form large colonies.

In addition to their appearance, Yellow jackets are known for their aggressive nature, especially when their nests are disturbed. They are scavengers and are often found around food sources, which can lead to encounters with humans, particularly during outdoor activities.

While paper wasps and hornets also share similar coloring, they typically have a more slender body shape and different nesting habits. Bees, on the other hand, generally have more fuzzy bodies with hairs adapted for pollen collection, and their color patterns can differ significantly from the smooth, shiny appearance of Yellow jackets. Thus, the identification of a wasp with yellow and black stripes points towards the Yellow jacket as the most accurate answer.