🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Australian Paper Wasp

Polistes humilis

About Australian Paper Wasp

A common Australian paper wasp that builds small, open-celled papery nests under eaves, in shrubs, and other sheltered locations. It is a beneficial predator of caterpillars and other garden pests.

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Did You Know?

Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.

How to Identify Australian Paper Wasp

Australian Paper Wasp (Polistes humilis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm.

Australian Paper Wasp Habitat

Australian Paper Wasp is found in gardens habitats, particularly across Australia, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Australian Paper Wasp Diet and Feeding

Australian Paper Wasp is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Australian Paper Wasp Found?

Australian Paper Wasp can be found in Australia, Oceania, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Australian Paper Wasp can be found

Is Australian Paper Wasp Dangerous?

Australian Paper Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Australian Paper Wasp Role in Nature

Australian Paper Wasp serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Paper Wasp

What does Australian Paper Wasp look like?

The Australian Paper Wasp typically measures 15-20 mm.

Where is Australian Paper Wasp found?

The Australian Paper Wasp is found in Australia, Oceania and typically inhabits gardens environments.

What does Australian Paper Wasp eat?

The Australian Paper Wasp is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Australian Paper Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Australian Paper Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Australian Paper Wasp?

Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Australian Paper Wasp (Polistes humilis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-paper-wasp

MLA:
"Australian Paper Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-paper-wasp.