# Paper Wasp (*Polistes macaensis (Fabricius)*)

Paper Wasps are slender wasps that make umbrella-shaped nests out of paper. They are important for pollination!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate
- **Habitat:** Gardens and forests
- **Also known as:** Vespid Wasp, Vespula

![Paper Wasp](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426128/objects/5468.jpg)

## Appearance

The Paper Wasp has a slender body, often black with distinctive yellow markings and a narrow "waist." Its long legs typically dangle below as it flies, distinguishing it from bees. The wings are usually smoky brown.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hymenoptera
- **Family:** Vespidae
- **Genus:** Polistes

## Interesting facts

- Female paper wasps are the only ones that can sting you!
- Their nests are rarely reused; new ones are built every season!
- Wasp larvae feed their mothers a sugary liquid in exchange for food!
- Wasp venom is being studied as a potential anti-cancer agent!

## Special abilities

- **Paper Architects:** Paper Wasps can build nests from chewed wood fibers because they collect and process cellulose into a pulp that hardens into a sturdy home.
- **Venomous Defense:** Paper Wasps have a potent sting that helps them protect their colony and resources from predators and intruders.
- **Pest Control Partner:** Paper Wasps can hunt and paralyze insect pests like caterpillars, helping farmers protect their crops naturally.
- **Facial Recognition:** Paper Wasps can recognize individual nest mates by their unique facial patterns, helping them manage social order.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 30-40 mm
- **Size:** 15-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 15-365 days
- **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6
- **Colony Size:** 200

## Diet & Feeding

They feast on insect pests and also enjoy nectar from flowers for energy!

- **Age differences:** Adults primarily consume nectar and honeydew, while larvae are fed chewed insects by adults.
- **Primary Foods:** Caterpillars, Fly larvae, Spiders, Nectar, Honeydew
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Cabbage White Caterpillar (*Pieris rapae*) — Prey for wasp larvae growth
- **Eaten by:** House Crow (*Corvus splendens*) — Bird preys on adult wasps
- **Pollinates:** [Lantana](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lantana) (*Lantana camara*) — Wasp collects flower nectar

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [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)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify 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 Paper Wasp's wingspan?

30-40 mm

### How big is Paper Wasp?

15-25 mm

### How long does Paper Wasp live?

15-365 days

### How fast can Paper Wasp fly?

20 km/h

### What does Paper Wasp eat?

They feast on insect pests and also enjoy nectar from flowers for energy!

### Where is Paper Wasp usually found?

Gardens and forests

### How does Paper Wasp hunt?

Foraging

## 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*)

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Source: [Paper Wasp: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/paper-wasp)