Paper wasp

Paper wasps are 3/4 inch to 1 inch (2-2.5 cm)-long wasps that gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva, and use to construct water-resistant nests that appear to be made of gray or brown papery material. Paper wasps are also sometimes called umbrella wasps, due to the distinctive design of their nests [http://www.everythingabout.net/articles/biology/animals/arthropods/insects/wasps/paper_wasp/ "Paper Wasp" ] Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2006.] or other regional variants such as Trinidad & Tobago's use of Jack Spaniard. [http://whatsthatbug.com/wasps_2.html/] What's That Bug.]

The name "paper wasps" typically refers to members of the vespid subfamily Polistinae, though it often "colloquially" includes members of the subfamilies Vespinae (hornets and yellowjackets) and Stenogastrinae, which also make nests out of paper. Twenty-two species of "Polistes" paper wasps have been identified in North America and approximately 300 species have been identified worldwide. The Old World tribe Ropalidiini contains another 300 species, and the Neotropical tribes Epiponini and Mischocyttarini each contain over 250 more, so the total number of true paper wasps worldwide is about 1100 species, nearly half of which can be found in the Neotropics.

The nests of most true paper wasps are characterized by having open combs with cells for brood rearing, and a "petiole", or constricted stalk, that the nest (see image, right).W.F. Lyon and G.S. Wegner (1991) [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2077.html Paper Wasps and Hornets] Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Entomology] Paper wasps secrete a chemical which repels ants, which they spread around the base of the anchor to prevent the loss of eggs or brood.

Most social wasps of the family Vespidae make nests from paper; although some stenogastrine species, such as "Liostenogaster flavolineata", use mud. A small group of eusocial crabronid wasps, of the genus "Microstigmus" (the only eusocial wasps outside the family Vespidae), also construct nests out of chewed plant fibers, though the nest consistency is quite different from those of true paper wasps, due to the absence of wood fibers, and the use of silk to bind the fibers. [R.W. Matthews, C.K. Starr [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0006-3606%28198403%2916%3A1%3C55%3AMCWHAM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-D&size=LARGE Microstigmus comes Wasps have a Method of Nest Construction Unique Among Social Insects] "Biotropica", Vol. 16, No. 1 (Mar., 1984), pp. 55-58 doi:10.2307/2387895]

Unlike yellowjackets and hornets, which can be very defensive, polistine paper wasps will generally only attack if the nest is threatened. [ [http://www.latimes.com/features/kids/readingroom/la-et-kidcal5mar06,1,7872696.story] ] Since their territoriality can lead to attacks on people, and because their stings are quite painful and can produce a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction in some individuals, nests in human-inhabited areas may present an unacceptable hazard.Drees, B.M. and John Jackman (1999) "Field Guide to Texas Insects", Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Texas. Excerpt available at: [http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg348.html Texas Cooperative extension] ]

Most wasps are beneficial in their natural habitat, and are critically important in natural biocontrol. Paper wasps feed on nectar, and other insects, including caterpillars, flies, and beetle larvae, and they are often considered to be beneficial by gardeners.

References

See also

* Biological pest control
* Schmidt Sting Pain Index
* Polistes

petiole", by which the nest is attached to the branch, is quite apparent
Larvae at two stages of development are visible in cells

"Polistes dominula"
Nectaring on milkweed
Polistes dominula"
hornet nest