About Paper Wasp
Builds open-comb nests from chewed wood fiber mixed with saliva, creating paper-like material. Has a complex social hierarchy with facial pattern recognition between individuals.
Did You Know?
Paper wasps can recognize individual faces — they use facial patterns to identify nestmates and establish dominance hierarchies, one of the few insects known to have face recognition.
How to Identify Paper Wasp
Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm.
Paper Wasp Habitat
Paper Wasp is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, worldwide (introduced). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Paper Wasp Diet and Feeding
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 Paper Wasp Found?
Paper Wasp can be found in Europe, worldwide (introduced), where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Paper Wasp can be found
Is Paper Wasp Dangerous?
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.
Paper Wasp Role in Nature
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 Paper Wasp
What does Paper Wasp look like?
The Paper Wasp typically measures 15-20 mm.
Where is Paper Wasp found?
The Paper Wasp is found in Europe, worldwide (introduced) and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Paper Wasp eat?
The Paper Wasp feeds on fruits.
Is Paper Wasp dangerous to humans?
The 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 Paper Wasp?
Paper wasps can recognize individual faces — they use facial patterns to identify nestmates and establish dominance hierarchies, one of the few insects known to have face recognition.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/paper-wasp
MLA:
"Paper Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/paper-wasp.