Paper Wasps

Biology

• Brown and black Paper Wasps are found in Northern part of North America; brown, orange, and yellow Paper Wasps occupy the Southern Range of North America.
• A pair of light colored lines on the rear of the thorax
• A pair of orange to pale brown oval patches is found on either side of the abdomen.
• All females are potential queens.
• A typical worker does not exist – when a queen emerges, other females become workers.
• Not aggressive unless the nest is disturbed

Distribution/Habits

• Nests are made from paper-like material in a U shape; a single layer of paper-like comb cells pointing downward, supported by a single long pedicel.
• Nests are usually small, only 300 cells up to the very maximum of 2,000 cells.
• Nests are built under protective foliage, i.e. under decks, behind shutters.