PAPER WASPS (Polistes)
Biology
- Brown and black Paper Wasps are found in Northern part of North America; brown, orange, and yellow Paper Wasps occupy the Southern Range of North America.
- A pair of light colored lines on the rear of the thorax
- A pair of orange to pale brown oval patches is found on either side of the abdomen.
- All females are potential queens.
- A typical worker does not exist – when a queen emerges, other females become workers.
- Not aggressive unless the nest is disturbed
Distribution/Habits
- Nests are made from paper-like material in a U shape; a single layer of paper-like comb cells pointing downward, supported by a single long pedicel.
- Nests are usually small, only 300 cells up to the very maximum of 2,000 cells.
- Nests are built under protective foliage, i.e. under decks, behind shutters.
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