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Animal profile

European Paper Wasp

Polistes dominula

InsectaWarm open habitats, gardens and buildings, with nests attached to sheltered surfaces by a single stalk

Field profile

The European paper wasp builds a small open comb suspended from a narrow stalk, with no enclosing envelope. Colonies are founded in spring by one or a few overwintered females and remain modest in size. It preys on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-12-20

European Paper Wasp

Paper wasps read each other's faces

Polistes dominula foundresses carry variable black markings on the face and clypeus. Experiments in which the patterns were painted over changed how rivals treated them, indicating the marks carry social information rather than being decoration.

Read with evidence →

European Paper Wasp | Daily Animal Facts