Often known for being a tree wasp, it nests in low branches and bushes and feeds on insects.

Based on recent studies on mitochondrial genes, Dolichovespula and Vespula are monophyletic, meaning they descended from common ancestors.

While the maculata has physical attributes such as pronotal striae, emarginated apices of the seventh metasomal sternum in males, and aedeagal medial lobes, D. norwegica females have long oculomalar space and lateroanterior clypeal angles with less prominent semicircular projections.

[4] In the past, D. norwegica and D. albida, the Arctic yellowjacket from northern North America, were considered to be the same species, but studies in 2011 of the male genitalia show that they are not conspecific.

[5] The Norwegian wasp has eye-catching black and yellow colour patterns over its body.

Starting from the face, it has a long malar space and is separated by a black bar that runs vertically.

The sides of its thorax contain small black hairs that project outwards, and the rear has distinct yellow spots.

[9] Overall, nests of D. norwegica wasps are commonly found on tree branches, bushes, walls of houses, and even cavities in the ground.

This wasp species apparently prefers to build nests in rural areas.

[8] Norwegian wasps typically construct their nests on tree branches or bushes, often selecting areas that are closed rather than exposed, such as moors.

Upon arrival of spring (around mid-April or early May), the queens emerge and feed, with the goal of finding a new nest location.

First, the queen starts building her nest, and rears workers in the first cells (average diameter of 4.5 mm).

The colony cycle of D. norwegica is short; this species has a tendency to start in the spring.

Males tend to occupy a dense area on trees and shrubs, and perform nuptial flights.

Of five species of the genus Dolichovespula studied, D. norwegica has the second-lowest value for effective paternity (1.08).

Matricide is common after workers are reared and queens have laid their eggs in annual colonies with low paternity.

[11] Three general forms of egg policing are found to conclusively contribute to reproduction ratios of D. norwegica.

An estimated average of 14 workers specialised in policing (a fourth of the total work force).

[12] D. norwegica larvae commonly feed on flies, other insects, and spiders that are brought to them and chewed up by the adult wasps to a paste form.

The adult individuals feed on nectar from Angelica sylvestris, Heracleum spondylium, and Chamerion angsutifolium.

[7] Once it feeds, the larva expels a sweet liquid, which the adult wasp consumes.

Although they are less aggressive than other wasps in Vespula, individuals of D. norwegica protect their nest with their stingers.

Although they can be annoying in some cases, their predation activity on other arthropods makes them valuable allies of farmers.