Guinea Paper Wasp
ExploreInsects
Guinea Paper Wasp
polistes exclamans
The Guinea Paper Wasp is a fascinating insect that builds its home from paper-like material made from plant fibers. These wasps are known for their unique yellow and black markings and can often be seen buzzing around flowers and trees!
Habitat: Guinea Paper Wasps are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowers.
Appearance
The Guinea Paper Wasp has a slender, reddish-brown body with distinct yellow bands on its abdomen and a primarily black head with some yellow. Its smoky brown wings are often folded lengthwise when at rest, making it appear streamlined and distinct from other wasps.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyEumenidaeGenusPolistes
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A new queen starts her entire paper nest colony all by herself!
Some worker wasps can even lay eggs if the queen disappears!
They shake their bodies to signal danger to other wasps in the nest!
Wasp larvae eat chewed-up caterpillars caught by their hunting mothers!
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Architect
Guinea Paper Wasps can build impressive paper nests from chewed plant fibers and saliva that protect their young.
Ability
Potent Protector
Guinea Paper Wasps have a venomous sting that helps them defend their colony from threats and subdue prey.
Ability
Pest Patrol
Guinea Paper Wasps can hunt and capture soft-bodied insects like caterpillars to feed their developing larvae.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-365 days
- Flight Speed
- 15-25 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50-200
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on insects like caterpillars caught by adults.
Age differences: Larvae are fed chewed-up insects, while adult wasps primarily consume nectar and sweet plant secretions.
Primary Foods
- Caterpillars
- Beetle larvae
- Nectar
- Honeydew
- Fruit juices
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Tobacco Hornworm
Manduca sexta
Wasps catch and chew these caterpillars to feed their young.
pollinates
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Adult wasps visit flowers like milkweed to drink nectar for energy.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Birds like robins may sometimes prey on adult wasps or their larvae.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common Paper WaspYellow Paper Wasp
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be cautious around nests, as they may sting if they feel threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guinea Paper Wasp's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Guinea Paper Wasp?
15-20 mm
How long does Guinea Paper Wasp live?
20-365 days
How fast can Guinea Paper Wasp fly?
15-25 km/h
What does Guinea Paper Wasp eat?
Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on insects like caterpillars caught by adults.
Where is Guinea Paper Wasp usually found?
Guinea Paper Wasps are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowers.
How does Guinea Paper Wasp hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Guinea Paper Wasp have?
6
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