Paper-wasp

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Elasmus polistis
Elasmus polistis is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Burks in 1971. It is an ectoparasitoid specializing on the brood of paper wasps in the genus Polistes. The species has been documented attacking prepupae and pupae inside host nests, entering despite defensive behaviors by adult wasps. It has been recorded from the United States and Brazil, with confirmed host associations including multiple Polistes species.
parasitoid ectoparasitoid Polistes paper-wasp Eulophidae Hymenoptera social-wasp-parasite North-America South-America Brazil United-States
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis
Western Paper Wasp, Yellow-legged Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis is a social paper wasp native to western North America, distinguished by its relatively docile defensive behavior compared to other vespids. Colonies are initiated in spring by foundress queens and persist until autumn, with nests typically containing fewer than 300 cells. The species exhibits flexible nesting habits, utilizing both natural cavities in riparian forests and anthropogenic structures such as building eaves. Unlike many social wasps, M. flavitarsis rarely stings, instead employing ramming behavior against perceived threats. Males engage in elaborate lekking and territorial scent-marking behaviors near female hibernation sites in autumn.
social-wasp paper-wasp Polistinae western-North-America mild-temperament nest-usurpation lekking-behavior hibernation cavity-nester generalist-predator
Mischocyttarus mexicanus
Mexican Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus mexicanus is a New World paper wasp exhibiting facultative eusocial behavior, where females can nest either solitarily or in groups and may switch between these strategies throughout life. The species includes at least two subspecies: M. m. mexicanus ranging from Mexico to Costa Rica, and M. m. cubicola distributed across the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Nests are constructed from paper fibers and attached to vegetation, particularly palm fronds. The species serves as an important model for studying the evolutionary advantages of flexible social organization in insects.
eusocial facultative-sociality paper-wasp nest-plasticity pleometrosis haplometrosis behavioral-ecology model-organism subspecies M.-m.-mexicanus M.-m.-cubicola
Mischocyttarus mexicanus mexicanus
Mexican Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus mexicanus mexicanus is a subspecies of paper wasp in the family Vespidae. It is one of three Mischocyttarus species occurring in the United States and southwestern Canada, all belonging to the subgenus Phi. The species constructs small, uncovered paper combs similar to those of Polistes wasps. Nests have been observed in exposed situations in Texas, though related subspecies may use cavities. This wasp is a social species with flexible colony founding, where 1–20 females may initiate nests together.
social-wasp paper-wasp Polistinae Vespidae predator caterpillar-hunter flexible-sociality subtropical Texas-fauna
Polistes annularis
Ringed Paper Wasp, Jack Spaniard Wasp, Red Paper Wasp
Polistes annularis is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to the eastern United States, distinguished by its large size and distinctive red-and-black coloration with a prominent yellow ring on the abdomen. The species exhibits complex social behavior including cooperative nest founding by multiple foundresses, dominance hierarchies, and unique overwintering strategies involving honey storage. Nests are constructed in aggregations under overhangs near water bodies, with colonies typically containing 500 or more cells. Unlike many temperate Polistes species, P. annularis shows relatively robust cold tolerance and has been extensively studied as a model organism for social insect behavior and kin recognition.
social-wasp paper-wasp primitively-eusocial nest-aggregation overwintering honey-storage Müllerian-mimicry foundress-association dominance-hierarchy kin-recognition cold-tolerance model-organism caterpillar-predator riparian-habitat annual-colony-cycle queen-succession cuticular-hydrocarbons subgenus-Aphanilopterus Polistinae Vespidae Hymenoptera eastern-United-States red-and-black-coloration ringed-abdomen orange-antennae cliff-nesting hibernacula usurpation altruism reproductive-competition juvenile-hormone ovarian-development microsatellite-markers maternity-assignment behavioral-ecology social-insect nest-architecture petiole-construction foundress-eviction worker-emergence sexual-dimorphism structural-sex-determination trehalose cold-survival ant-predation parasitoid Elasmus-polistis Chalcoela-iphitalis biological-control pollinator sting-allergen antigen-5 Linnaeus-1763 Fabricius-1804 etymology-Greek-polistes Latin-annularis-ringed
Polistes arizonensis
Arizona Paper Wasp
A social paper wasp found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Once considered a subspecies of Polistes exclamans, it is now recognized as a distinct species. It builds exposed paper nests under palm fronds, shrubbery, and man-made structures. Females produce ant-repellent secretions from sternal glands to protect nests. The species is notably tolerant of close human observation and can be distinguished from similar Polistes species by facial coloration and geographic range.
paper-wasp social-wasp ant-repellent urban-wasp overwintering nest-defense caterpillar-predator Sonoran-Desert Tucson Arizona-endemic
Polistes aurifer
Golden Paper Wasp
Polistes aurifer is a social paper wasp native to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The species exhibits pronounced geographic color variation, from predominantly black northern forms to yellow southwestern forms and ferruginous southern populations. It constructs exposed paper nests in sheltered locations and is a generalist predator of caterpillars and other insects. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, having been treated as a subspecies of P. fuscatus in some classifications, though recent treatments maintain it as distinct.
social-wasp paper-wasp generalist-predator variable-coloration western-North-America biological-control forensic-entomology
Polistes bahamensis
Bahamian Paper Wasp
Polistes bahamensis is a large, colorful paper wasp native to the Bahamas, with populations also established in Florida, Louisiana, and coastal areas of the southeastern United States. First described in 1931, this species has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, having been treated as varieties of P. exclamans before being re-elevated to full species status in 1983. It builds characteristic umbrella-shaped paper nests suspended by a stalk, typically under building eaves or palm fronds. The species is notable for its taxonomic complexity, with three originally described color varieties based on geographic distribution within the Bahamas.
paper-wasp social-wasp Vespidae Polistinae Bahamas Florida Louisiana subtropical urban-wildlife biological-control
Polistes canadensis
red paper wasp, Neotropical red paper wasp
Polistes canadensis is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to the Neotropical region, recognized as the most widely distributed American species in its genus. Colonies are founded by groups of females in spring, with a single dominant queen and multiple foundresses averaging 9.1 individuals. The species exhibits a distinctive nesting strategy: rather than reusing combs, it continuously constructs new ones—averaging about 38 per colony—moving brood rearing to fresh structures as older combs are abandoned. This multiple-comb tactic functions as a defense against infestation by tineid moth larvae, which prey on wasp pupae. Workers display age-related task division (temporal polyethism), performing 22 distinct behavioral acts throughout their lives, with foraging typically beginning around the fifth week. Males adopt alternative mating strategies: territorial defense of landmark sites on ridgelines, or patrolling when territories are scarce. The species is notable for its confrontational dominance hierarchy, with queens aggressively suppressing subordinate reproduction through physical attacks rather than pheromonal control.
eusocial paper-wasp primitively-eusocial temporal-polyethism multiple-combs confrontational-dominance lek-polygyny parasite-defense Neotropical urban-adapter
Polistes carnifex
executioner wasp, executioner paper wasp, kava mainomby, kava alazán, kava sa'yju, a'ma xtíya cháda
Polistes carnifex is a large Neotropical paper wasp and the largest member of its genus in the region, with body lengths reaching up to 33 mm. It is commonly known as the executioner wasp, a name derived from the Latin epithet carnifex meaning "executioner." The species establishes small eusocial colonies founded by solitary queens, building open-faced paper nests suspended from branches or under building eaves. Despite its imposing size and formidable common name, it is relatively non-aggressive toward humans.
paper-wasp social-wasp Neotropical eusocial predator pollinator territoriality Batesian-mimicry Strepsiptera-host
Polistes carolina
Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp, Red Paper Wasp, Paper Wasp
Polistes carolina is a social paper wasp native to the eastern United States, distinguished by its reddish-brown coloration and finer propodeal ridges compared to its congener P. rubiginosus. The species constructs large, exposed, umbrella-shaped paper nests and exhibits independent founding behavior with multiple foundresses establishing dominance hierarchies through behavioral conventions rather than size alone. It is an important predator of caterpillars and other insects, contributing to natural pest control in its range.
social-wasp paper-wasp independent-founding dominance-hierarchy predator biological-control stinging-insect
Polistes comanchus comanchus
Polistes comanchus comanchus is a subspecies of paper wasp in the genus Polistes. As a member of this widespread genus, it shares the characteristic social colony structure with a single foundress or multiple females cooperating to build paper nests from chewed wood fibers. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species P. comanchus, though specific distinguishing traits for this subspecies are not well documented in available sources. Like other Polistes, it is predatory on caterpillars and other insects to feed its larvae.
Polistes paper-wasp subspecies Hymenoptera Vespidae Polistinae social-wasp
Polistes comanchus navajoe
A subspecies of paper wasp in the genus Polistes. As a member of this widespread genus, it likely shares the characteristic social behavior and nest-building habits of other Polistes wasps, including constructing open, umbrella-shaped paper nests and provisioning larvae with chewed caterpillars. The subspecific epithet 'navajoe' suggests a southwestern North American distribution.
Polistes paper-wasp subspecies Hymenoptera Vespidae Polistinae
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience 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Polistes dorsalis
Hunter's Little Paper Wasp
Polistes dorsalis is a small social paper wasp native to North America, distinguished by V-shaped yellow markings on the head and, in males, a prominent median tubercle on sternum 7. The species constructs small, open-faced paper nests in sheltered locations close to the ground, such as rock piles, hollow logs, and building eaves. Colonies are founded by one or several females in spring, with a dominance hierarchy establishing a single reproductive queen. The species is known for moderately painful stings and has attracted pharmacological interest due to antimicrobial peptides in its venom.
social-wasp paper-wasp eusocial predator antimicrobial-venom North-American-native
Polistes dorsalis californicus
California Paper Wasp
Polistes dorsalis californicus is a subspecies of paper wasp endemic to California, described by Bohart in 1949. As a member of the genus Polistes, it constructs open-faced paper nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. The species exhibits typical paper wasp social structure with small colonies founded by overwintering queens in spring. Like other Polistes, it functions as both a predator of caterpillars and a pollinator of flowering plants.
Polistinae paper-wasp California-endemic social-wasp annual-colony caterpillar-predator
Polistes dorsalis dorsalis
Least Paper Wasp
Polistes dorsalis dorsalis is a subspecies of paper wasp commonly known as the Least Paper Wasp. It belongs to the genus Polistes, which comprises social wasps that construct paper nests from chewed plant fibers. This subspecies is part of a group of Polistes species found in the Americas, characterized by relatively small colony sizes compared to yellowjackets and hornets. Paper wasps in this genus are known for their distinctive umbrella-shaped nests with exposed hexagonal cells.
paper-wasp social-wasp Polistes Hymenoptera Vespidae Least-Paper-Wasp
Polistes flavus
Yellow Paper Wasp
Polistes flavus, commonly known as the yellow paper wasp, is a large, conspicuous paper wasp native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is strongly associated with the Sonoran Desert, where it occupies the same elevation belt as saguaro cacti. The species builds exposed paper nests from wood fibers mixed with saliva, typically placing them under building eaves or among tree branches. Adults forage for caterpillars and other insects to feed larvae, while consuming nectar and honeydew for their own energy needs. Despite its relative abundance in suitable habitats, detailed natural history information remains limited.
social-wasp paper-wasp Sonoran-Desert pollinator biocontrol Polistinae Vespidae
Polistes fuscatus
Northern Paper Wasp, Dark Paper Wasp, Golden Paper Wasp
Polistes fuscatus is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States. It builds exposed, umbrella-shaped paper nests suspended from a single stalk, typically in semi-protected locations near human structures or in woodlands. The species exhibits a linear dominance hierarchy centered on a single dominant foundress, with remarkable individual recognition capabilities based on variable facial and abdominal markings. P. fuscatus has experienced significant population decline due to competition from the invasive European paper wasp, Polistes dominula.
paper-wasp social-wasp native-species invasive-species-competition individual-recognition primitively-eusocial biological-control declining-species
Polistes hirsuticornis
Hairy-horned Paper Wasp
Polistes hirsuticornis is a species of paper wasp described in 2012 from North American specimens previously misidentified as members of the P. fuscatus-group. It was formerly treated as Polistes fuscatus, P. metricus, or P. bellicosus. The species is hypothesized to be an obligate social parasite of other paper wasps, though this behavior remains undocumented by direct observation. It appears in regional identification literature as 'Polistes sp. A' and in genetic databases as 'Polistes sp. Buck1'.
paper-wasp social-parasite cryptic-species North-America
Polistes kaibabensis
Kaibab Paper Wasp
The Kaibab Paper Wasp is a social paper wasp endemic to the southwestern United States, specifically associated with the Kaibab Plateau region of northern Arizona. It builds exposed paper combs suspended from vegetation or structures. Like other Polistes species, it forms small colonies with a flexible dominance hierarchy among females. The species is notable for its restricted geographic range and association with high-elevation habitats in the Colorado Plateau region.
Vespidae Polistinae social-wasp paper-wasp endemic Arizona Kaibab-Plateau Hymenoptera Southwest-USA Colorado-Plateau
Polistes major
Horse Paper Wasp, avispa de caballo
Polistes major is a Neotropical social paper wasp, one of the largest species in its genus. It ranges from South America north into the southern United States. The species is known locally as 'avispa de caballo' (horse wasp) in the Dominican Republic. Five subspecies are recognized, with variation in coloration from yellow-striped forms to entirely reddish-brown individuals.
Neotropical social paper-wasp Polistes Vespidae
Polistes major castaneicolor
Sonoran Red Paper Wasp
Polistes major castaneicolor is a large, reddish paper wasp subspecies endemic to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. First described by Joseph Charles Bequaert in 1936, it is one of five recognized subspecies of Polistes major. It is distinguished from other P. major subspecies by its predominantly reddish coloration with limited yellow markings.
paper-wasp red-wasp desert-wasp Polistes Sonoran-Desert
Polistes major major
horse's wasp
Polistes major major is a neotropical eusocial paper wasp subspecies most commonly found on Hispaniola Island and within Central America. It is known locally as "avispa de caballo" (horse's wasp) in the Dominican Republic. As a member of the genus Polistes, it is a social wasp that constructs exposed paper nests and lives in colonies with a reproductive hierarchy.
eusocial paper-wasp neotropical Hispaniola Central-America Dominican-Republic avispa-de-caballo horse's-wasp Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera insect wasp social-insect colonial nest-building
Polistes metricus
Metric Paper Wasp, Metricus Paper Wasp
Polistes metricus is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to North America, ranging from southern Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to eastern Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas. It is distinguished by its predominantly dark ferruginous (rusty-red) coloration with black markings, yellow tarsi, and black tibiae. The species exhibits unique behavioral traits including distinctive foraging flight patterns—taking off horizontally for short trips and vertically to high altitude for long distances—and is known for nest sharing with other Polistes species and multi-season nest reuse. Colonies are typically founded solitarily by a single queen, though cooperative co-founding is increasingly observed.
eusocial paper-wasp predator pollinator nest-reuse behavioral-syndrome primitively-eusocial
Polistes palmarum
Palm Paper Wasp
Polistes palmarum is a species of paper wasp in the family Vespidae, described by Bequard in 1936. The species is known by the common name "Palm Paper Wasp," reflecting its association with palm habitats. As a member of the genus Polistes, it exhibits the characteristic social behavior and nest-building traits of paper wasps.
Hymenoptera Vespidae Polistinae Polistes paper-wasp social-wasp
Polistes rubiginosus
Coarse-backed Red Paper Wasp
Polistes rubiginosus is a social paper wasp endemic to the eastern United States, formerly known as Polistes perplexus until taxonomic revision in 2012. It is one of two large red-colored Polistes species in the eastern US, distinguished from the similar P. carolina by coarser transverse ridging on the propodeum and, in females, silvery pubescent hairs covering the malar area and gena. The species builds uncovered paper nests in sheltered locations and exhibits typical paper wasp ecology as a predator of caterpillars.
eusocial paper-wasp red-wasp native-to-North-America predator caterpillar-predator nest-builder