Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)

Polistes fuscatus or paper wasp is native to the North American woodlands and savannahs.
 

Geographic Region

Paper Wasps are found across eastern North America as far west as the Midwest and Montana.
 

Natural Habitat

Paper wasps prefer to nest under the protection of manmade structures, with exposed wood nearby as a source for nest building.
 

Behavior

Like other paper wasps, Polistes fuscatus hunts insects and forages plant nectar during the day and rests on the nest at night. They hunt caterpillars, grasshoppers, locusts and crickets.
 

Unique Characteristics

Polistes fuscatus are a dark reddish-brown paper wasp, with yellow bands across the body. Males of this species have curved antennae and more yellow on the front of the head.