Common Paper Wasp (Polistes exclamans)

Appearance:

This species is 5/8 inches long and displays extensive red coloration on the head, thorax and abdomen.  The abdomen has bands of red, black and yellow and one large red and black band toward the top.  Queens and female workers have a predominantly red thorax, while males are mostly black.  Common Paper Wasp antennae are red with a prominent black midsection.

Common Paper Wasp Habits:

Common Paper Wasps hunt caterpillars to feed nest larvae and feed on sugars and flower nectar.  Workers will rest on the nest at night and during periods of cooler weather.

Common Paper Wasp Nests:

Their nests are usually found in sheltered locations near human activity, most commonly in roof eaves and trees.

Nature toward humans:

Common Paper Wasps are not typically aggressive, but will sting if provoked or if they feel their nest is threatened.  Males also exhibit territorial behavior, which is unusual for Paper Wasp species.

Other Paper Wasp species

Hornets

Yellowjackets