Vespidae
/vɛˈspɪdiː/noun
A taxonomic family of wasps that includes paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets.
Did you know?The genus name Vespa is also the source of the scooter brand’s name, chosen because its shape reportedly reminded its creator of a wasp.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wopsā
“A reconstructed word for wasp or stinging insect.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wapsō
“Wasp; a stinging flying insect.”
Old English
Old English
wæfs / wæps
“Wasp.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vespa
“Wasp.”
1758
Scientific Latin
Vespa
“The genus name established by Linnaeus for wasps including hornets.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Vespidae
“The family name formed from Vespa with the taxonomic ending -idae.”