On a recent trip to our local park, my children and I encountered a Yellow Jacket lapping up leftover ice cream.  Willow (the five year old) was shocked that a Yellow Jacket would be enjoying the melted treat that she had just thrown in the trash. What then is a yellow jacket? Yellow jackets are a common sight in the Rocky Mountain region. They are also one of the most misunderstood and feared insects. But yellow jackets are actually an important part of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem, and yes Willow they will eat melted ice cream.

Yellow jackets are attracted to sugar water and melted ice cream because they are a good source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for yellow jackets, and they need them to fly, forage for food, and build their nests. Yellow jackets also need carbohydrates to produce honeydew, a sweet substance that they feed to their larvae. Honeydew is also a food source for other ants and wasps.  In addition to carbohydrates, yellow jackets also need protein. They get protein from other insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and caterpillars. Yellow jackets also eat nectar from flowers, which provides them with some of the carbohydrates and protein they need.

With that being said, yellow jackets are predators of other insects, including flies, bees, and caterpillars as stated above. They help to control populations of these insects, which can damage crops and spread diseases. Yellow jackets also play a role in pollination.  In the Rocky Mountains, yellow jackets are especially important for pollinating native plants. Many of these plants are important food sources for wildlife, including birds, bats, and bears.

Unfortunately, yellow jackets are often seen as a nuisance and a threat. But it is important to remember that yellow jackets play an important role in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. If you see a yellow jacket, try to avoid it. But if you are stung, do not panic. Yellow jacket stings are usually not serious. However, if you are allergic to yellow jacket venom, seek medical attention immediately.  The point is, Willow, that like you yellow jackets do like ice cream it gives them the energy to be an important part of our ecosystem.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023