Western Paper Wasp
ExploreInsects
Western Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis
The Western Paper Wasp is a friendly-looking insect that builds nests out of paper-like material. They are usually yellow and black and can be found buzzing around flowers and gardens.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Western Paper Wasp is a slender wasp, primarily reddish-brown to black, marked with bright yellow stripes on its abdomen and a yellow face. Its long legs dangle visibly when in flight, and its wings are smoky brown, often appearing translucent. This coloring helps distinguish it from more robust, extensively yellow yellowjackets.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusMischocyttarus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The queen sometimes shares her nest-founding duties with other queens!
Unlike honey bees, paper wasps can sting many times without dying!
Western Paper Wasps can recognize the unique faces of their nest mates!
Young wasps in the nest signal hunger by scratching the walls of their cells!
Special abilities
Ability
Paper Architect
Western Paper Wasps build strong, waterproof paper nests because they chew wood pulp with saliva, forming a durable material for their homes.
Ability
Alarm Signal
Western Paper Wasps can communicate danger to their colony because they release alarm pheromones, warning others of threats to the nest.
Ability
Defensive Sting
Western Paper Wasps have a painful sting that helps them defend their colony and paralyze insect prey, deterring many predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 13-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50
Diet & Feeding
These wasps are omnivores, feeding on sweet nectar and sugary fluids, but also hunting insects to feed their young.
Age differences: Adults mainly consume sugars, while larvae are fed protein-rich insects by workers.
Primary Foods
- caterpillars
- flies
- spiders
- nectar
- honeydew
Foraging Methods
- Pursuit
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Adult wasps capture caterpillars to feed their developing larvae.
eaten by
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Crows and other birds may opportunistically raid wasp nests for larvae.
eaten by
Garden Spider
Argiope aurantia
Wasps sometimes get caught in the sticky webs of orb-weaver spiders.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
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
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Stay calm and don't swat at wasps; they usually won't bother you if you don't bother them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Paper Wasp's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Western Paper Wasp?
13-20 mm
How long does Western Paper Wasp live?
30-90 days
How fast can Western Paper Wasp fly?
15 km/h
What does Western Paper Wasp eat?
These wasps are omnivores, feeding on sweet nectar and sugary fluids, but also hunting insects to feed their young.
Where is Western Paper Wasp usually found?
Urban areas
How does Western Paper Wasp hunt?
Pursuit and Foraging
How many legs does Western Paper Wasp have?
6
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