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Northern Paper Wasp

Polistes fuscatus

The Northern Paper Wasp is a friendly insect that makes its home in paper-like nests. They are important for helping flowers grow by spreading pollen while they search for food.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Northern Paper Wasp has a slender, dark reddish-brown to black body with distinct yellow bands on its abdomen. Its long legs hang down during flight, making it visually distinct from bees or yellowjackets. Its face may have variable yellow markings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyEumenidaeGenusPolistes
Northern Paper Wasp
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Northern Paper Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single queen paper wasp starts a new colony all by herself each spring!

Adult wasps drink flower nectar and sweet honeydew for a quick energy boost!

They hang their umbrella-shaped nests by a tiny single stalk, often under eaves!

Wasp larvae are fed a protein-rich diet of chewed-up caterpillars and insects!

Special abilities

Ability

Paper Architect

Northern Paper Wasps can build impressive umbrella-shaped nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with their saliva, which protects their young.

Ability

Sharp Protector

Northern Paper Wasps have a potent sting used to defend their colony and paralyze prey, making them formidable defenders.

Ability

Face Reader

Northern Paper Wasps can recognize individual nest mates by their unique facial patterns, which helps maintain social order.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
20-365 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
50-200

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar for energy, while their young feast on chewy insects.

Age differences: Adults primarily consume carbohydrates (nectar, honeydew), while larvae are fed protein-rich chewed insects by foraging adults.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Honeydew
  • Caterpillars
  • Flies
  • Beetle larvae
  • Spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma americanum

Wasps hunt these caterpillars to feed their developing larvae.

eaten by

Black-billed Magpie

Pica hudsonia

Birds like magpies may raid wasp nests for eggs, larvae, or adults.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adult wasps visit goldenrod flowers to collect nectar, aiding pollination.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

If you see a wasp, watch it from a distance and don’t bother its nest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northern Paper Wasp's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Northern Paper Wasp?

15-20 mm

How long does Northern Paper Wasp live?

20-365 days

How fast can Northern Paper Wasp fly?

20 km/h

What does Northern Paper Wasp eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar for energy, while their young feast on chewy insects.

Where is Northern Paper Wasp usually found?

Urban areas

How does Northern Paper Wasp hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Northern Paper Wasp have?

6

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