Japanese Honeybee vs Apache Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Honeybee Apache Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Apis cerana japonica Polistes apachus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Vespidae
Size 10-13 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Honeybee

The Japanese subspecies of the Eastern honeybee, known as 'nihon-mitsubachi.' Smaller and darker than the European honeybee. Famous for its unique defensive behavior against giant hornets.

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Did You Know?

Japanese honeybees can form a thermal ball around a hornet scout, vibrating their flight muscles to raise the temperature to lethal levels for the hornet.

Apache Paper Wasp

A large paper wasp of the American Southwest with yellow and reddish-brown coloring. It constructs open paper comb nests in sheltered locations like building overhangs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest paper wasps in North America and is particularly common around desert homes and ranch buildings.