# Metric Paper Wasp (*Polistes metricus*) The Metric Paper Wasp is a friendly insect that builds nests out of paper-like material. They are helpful because they eat pests like caterpillars and flies, making gardens healthier! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Metric Paper Wasp](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Polistes_metricus_P1660156a_%28cropped%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: xpda, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polistes_metricus_P1660156a_%28cropped%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Metric Paper Wasp has a slender, reddish-brown body with distinct yellow markings, particularly on its head and abdomen. It's identifiable by its unique way of folding its wings lengthwise when at rest, making them appear narrow and pointed. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Eumenidae - **Genus:** Polistes ## Interesting facts - The tiny wasp larvae produce a sugary liquid that adult wasps love to drink! - They often build their umbrella-shaped paper nests under sheltered eaves or porch roofs! - Wasp queens can produce a special chemical to keep other females from laying eggs! - Worker wasps communicate danger to their sisters using vibrations and chemical signals! ## Special abilities - **Paper Architect:** Metric Paper Wasp can build intricate nests from chewed wood fibers and saliva, which helps them create a safe home for their young. - **Defensive Jab:** Metric Paper Wasp has a potent sting that helps them protect their colony from predators and perceived threats. - **Insect Hunter:** Metric Paper Wasp can hunt and paralyze caterpillars and other insect larvae, providing protein-rich food for its growing young. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-35 mm - **Size:** 13-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 - **Colony Size:** 200 ## Diet & Feeding Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on chewy insects like caterpillars! - **Age differences:** Adults consume plant sugars; larvae are fed captured insects by worker wasps. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, fruit juices, caterpillars, insect larvae, honeydew - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Eastern Tent Caterpillar (*Malacosoma americanum*) — Prey for developing wasp larvae. - **Hunts:** Tobacco Hornworm (*Manduca sexta*) — Common caterpillar prey for protein. - **Eaten by:** European Garden Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — Can be caught in spider webs. - **Pollinates:** [Common Milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low If you see a wasp, it's best to stay calm and not swat at it. Just watch from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Metric Paper Wasp? Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Metric Paper Wasp's wingspan? 25-35 mm ### How big is Metric Paper Wasp? 13-20 mm ### How long does Metric Paper Wasp live? 30-60 days ### How fast can Metric Paper Wasp fly? 20 km/h ### What does Metric Paper Wasp eat? Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on chewy insects like caterpillars! ### Where is Metric Paper Wasp usually found? Urban areas ### How does Metric Paper Wasp hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Haskell-Baker Wetlands](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/haskell-baker-wetlands) — Kansas, US · Nature Reserve - [Erskine College-Due West Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/erskine-college-due-west-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Langdale Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/langdale-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Pittsfield Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pittsfield-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District - [Robert Allerton Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/robert-allerton-park) — Illinois, US · Botanical Garden - [Museum of Life and Science](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/museum-of-life-and-science) — North Carolina, US · Zoo [View all places to see Metric Paper Wasp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/metric-paper-wasp) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Metric Paper Wasp: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/metric-paper-wasp)