About Indian Paper Wasp
A slender social wasp with a brown and yellow body that constructs small, open-comb nests under eaves and branches. It is one of the best-studied social insects in India, known for its complex queen succession dynamics.
Did You Know?
Queens in this species maintain dominance not through aggression but through pheromones, and succession happens peacefully without fights.
How to Identify Indian Paper Wasp
Indian Paper Wasp (Ropalidia marginata) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm.
Indian Paper Wasp Habitat
Indian Paper Wasp is found in underground habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Indian Paper Wasp Diet and Feeding
Indian Paper Wasp feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Indian Paper Wasp Found?
Indian Paper Wasp can be found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh), where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Indian Paper Wasp can be found
Is Indian Paper Wasp Dangerous?
Indian 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.
Indian Paper Wasp Role in Nature
Indian Paper Wasp is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Paper Wasp
What does Indian Paper Wasp look like?
The Indian Paper Wasp typically measures 15-20 mm.
Where is Indian Paper Wasp found?
The Indian Paper Wasp is found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh) and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Indian Paper Wasp eat?
The Indian Paper Wasp feeds on fruits.
Is Indian Paper Wasp dangerous to humans?
The Indian 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 Indian Paper Wasp?
Queens in this species maintain dominance not through aggression but through pheromones, and succession happens peacefully without fights.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Indian Paper Wasp (Ropalidia marginata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-paper-wasp
MLA:
"Indian Paper Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-paper-wasp.