Paper wasps

Definition

Social vespid wasps that construct nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a characteristic papery material. The term most precisely refers to members of subfamily Polistinae (genera Polistes, Mischocyttarus, and allies), though it is frequently applied more broadly to include yellowjackets and hornets (Vespinae) and hover wasps (Stenogastrinae), all of which share this nesting behavior. Paper wasps typically build exposed, single-comb nests suspended by a narrow petiole, in contrast to the enclosed, multi-comb nests of yellowjackets.

Etymology

From the papery texture of their nest material, formed from masticated plant fibers.

Example

Polistes dominula, the European paper wasp, has become invasive in North America where it often displaces native Polistes species through superior competitive ability at floral resources.

Synonyms

• polistine wasps
• umbrella wasps

Related Terms

• Polistinae
• Vespinae
• Stenogastrinae
• social wasp
• petiole
• comb nest
• yellowjacket
• hornet
• gastral sternite
• Caste

Usage Notes

Specialists usually restrict 'paper wasps' to Polistinae, using 'yellowjackets' or 'hornets' for Vespinae; however, field biologists and pest-control literature often use the term more inclusively for any vespid with an exposed paper nest. The nest architecture—exposed comb versus enclosed envelope—is the key diagnostic contrast. Some Stenogastrinae build paper, but many use mud or plant resins, so 'paper wasp' is less consistently applied to this group.