Paper Wasp:

Polistes spp.

Size: Adults typically measure between 5/8 inch to nearly 1 inch in length. Despite being medium-sized among social wasps, they may appear larger in flight due to their noticeably long, dangling legs.

Appearance: Paper wasps display a range of body colors depending on the species, including yellow, brick-red, reddish-brown, and nearly black. Compared to yellowjackets and hornets, paper wasps generally feature less yellow in their coloration and have relatively longer legs. Their slender waists and elongated bodies give them a more streamlined appearance.

• Male Identification: Males typically have longer antennae with curved tips and more yellow on their faces.

• Species Note: The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is often mistaken for a yellowjacket due to its black-and-yellow pattern but can be distinguished by its mostly orange antennae.

• Other Species: The ringed paper wasp (Polistes annularis) is an exception where females may also show significant yellow coloration.

Nesting Habits

Paper wasps construct distinctive open-comb nests from a papery material made by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva. These umbrella-shaped nests are commonly suspended from branches, twigs, eaves, railings, or other sheltered areas. Unlike enclosed nests of hornets or yellowjackets, paper wasp nests are exposed, with visible hexagonal cells.

Behavior and Stinging

Paper wasps are generally non-aggressive when undisturbed but will defend their nest if threatened. Their sting can be painful and may provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Queens and workers are the same size, and colonies are typically smaller than those of yellowjackets.

Learn more about the different types of bees, wasps and hornets to see which one you might have!