Guinea Paper Wasp
Polistes exclamans
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Vespoidea
- Family: Vespidae
- Subfamily: Polistinae
- Genus: Polistes
- Species: exclamans
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polistes exclamans: //pəˈlɪstiːz ɛksˈklæmænz//
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Summary
Polistes exclamans, commonly known as the Guinea paper wasp, is a social wasp distributed throughout the United States and parts of Mexico. Characterized by its distinctive coloration and social behavior, it plays a role in both pollination and as a predator of insects. The species exhibits interesting social dynamics, including a hierarchical structure and unique reproductive strategies.
Physical Characteristics
Forewing length: 13.0–16.5 mm (female), 12.0–15.0 mm (male). Dark antennae with orange tips, extensive yellow mark on the metasoma, fore coxae yellow-marked, four yellow vertical lines on the propodeum, and yellow bands on each segment of the metasoma. Typical form usually has yellow coloration, while the variable form is red-brown with pale ivory-white markings.
Identification Tips
Males have bulging eyes, subquadrate clypeus, and slender antennae. Females and workers show no distinguishing structural features from the queen; however, males are more variable in external morphology.
Habitat
Nests are typically made of paper with a single layer of cells and open combs, favoring well-lit, open sites, often near man-made structures.
Distribution
NJ to FL, west to NE, CO, TX; also occurs in Mexico (Chihuahua to Jalisco, Hidalgo) and introduced to Hawaii; recently introduced to AZ, CA, NM.
Diet
Nectar, other insects (prey), with some foraging behavior observed.
Life Cycle
Colony cycle occurs between March and September. Workers emerge between May and July, taking about six to eight weeks for an egg to develop into an adult.
Reproduction
Polistes exclamans are haplodiploid insects, with a reproductive structure that involves one queen, and workers capable of taking over if necessary. Caste determination is influenced by temperature during development.
Predators
Birds, parasitic wasps like Chalcoela iphitalis and Elasmus polistis, and ants such as Crematogaster laeviuscula.
Ecosystem Role
As a social wasp, plays a role in pollination and pest control; also serves as prey for larger animals.
Collecting Methods
- Hand netting during foraging periods
- Collecting from nests with protective gear
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
- Pinning specimens for taxonomic study
Evolution
Part of the vespid family, has undergone physiological and behavioral adaptations related to social structure and environmental factors.
Misconceptions
Often mistakenly referred to as yellowjackets, which belong to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula.
Tags
- Social Wasp
- Guinea Paper Wasp
- Polistes
- Insect
- Vespidae