Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)

Note: This species is sometimes identified as "Northern Paper Wasp" or "Golden Paper Wasp".

Appearance:

P. fuscatus wasps are a dark reddish-brown color, with yellow bands across the body. They are distinguished from yellowjackets not only by their coloration, but also by their pointed heads. Males of this species have curved antennae and more yellow on the front of the head.

Habits:

Paper Wasps are active during the day and rest on the nest at night. Adult Paper Wasps feed on sugar and nectar-like food. Larvae eat protein that is gathered and chewed by adult wasps that prey mostly on caterpillars, but also grasshoppers, locusts and crickets. Colonies last one year, with new queens overwintering to make new nests the following spring.

Nests:

The native Paper Wasp tends to nest in woodlands and savannas, and can be found around manmade structures where exposed wood is available to be used for nest materials. Queens begin forming nests from wood and live plant fibers in the spring. Nests are a single paper-like comb of open hexagonal cells. Nests are oriented downwards and can contain up to 200 cells, with 20-30 adult wasps. Relatively small in size and typically found in sheltered areas above or near ground level, such as eaves and roofs or under rocks.

Nature toward humans:

Paper Wasps are not very aggressive, so there is little threat of swarming. Wasps will sting if handled or if nest is disturbed. It is important to note that Paper Wasp nests can often be found in areas of human traffic, substantially increasing the chances of accidentally disturbing one.

Other Paper Wasp species

Hornets

Yellowjackets