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COMMON PAPER WASP FACTS |
Identification
Common paper wasps are social insects, that are common around the outside of homes and in gardens. These slender wasps have long thin wings and are tan with darker bands and some yellow markings on the face. Their paper nests are often seen hanging by a short stalk from eaves, pergola or shrubbery. Although they can be pests because of their readiness to sting, paper wasps can also be beneficial in that they are predators of some pest caterpillars.
Size
length 10mm to 15mm
Food
Adult paper wasps feed on nectar. Larvae feed on caterpillars provided by the adults.
Breeding
Paper wasps are social wasps forming small colonies of 12 to 20 individuals. They built a nest out of grey papery material made from chewed up wood fibre and saliva. Nests are often located under eaves, pergolas or in shrubs. The nest is cone-shaped, becoming rounder as more cells are added. The nest has a maximum diameter of 10cm to 12cm with numerous hexagonal cells visible underneath, some of the cells having white caps. An egg laid in each cell which hatches into a grub like larva. The adults feed the larvae on chewed-up caterpillars caught by the adults. The cells are then capped and the larvae pupate inside. Most of the adult paper wasps die in winter, with a few hibernating to start new colonies.
Range
Paper wasps are found across southern mainland Australia including southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southern Western Australia.
Notes
Paper Wasps will readily attack and sting anyone approaching or disturbing their nest. They have a painful sting and will attack any person approaching or disturbing their nest. Nests in high traffic areas should be sprayed at night (when the wasps are at rest on the nest) with appropriate insecticide. Nests that are out of reach are not a problem and can be left alone. Generally applying a cold pack to the sting is enough, but seek medical attention if symptoms become more severe or victim has known allergy to stings..
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Hymenoptera | | Family: | Vespidae | | Genus: | Polistes | | Species: | humilis | | Common Name: | Common Paper Wasp |
Relatives in same Genus
European Paper Wasp (P. dominulus)
Paper Wasp (P. unknown species)
Tropical Paper Wasp (P. stigma)
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