Red Paper Wasp Identification Guide
Spot this reddish-brown paper wasp by its dark wings and open comb nests tucked under eaves and overhangs.
Read the full Red Paper Wasp encyclopedia entry →
Key Visual Features
The red paper wasp stands out among paper wasps for its warmer, reddish-brown coloring rather than the classic yellow-and-black pattern.
- Size: Roughly 16–20 mm (0.6–0.8 inches) long.
- Color: Predominantly reddish-brown to rusty red body, sometimes with darker brown or black markings on the abdomen and thorax.
- Body shape: Slender with a narrow waist and elongated abdomen, typical of the paper wasp group.
- Wings: Distinctly dark, smoky brown to almost blackish, which contrasts against the reddish body and is a helpful field mark.
- Legs: Long and reddish-brown, often trailing below the body during flight.
- Antennae: Dark, thin, and elbowed.
Where and When You'll See One
Red paper wasps are typically found in warm, humid regions and build the same style of open comb nest as their relatives.
- Nests are open, umbrella-shaped paper combs without an outer covering, attached to eaves, porch ceilings, and sheltered structures.
- Look for the nest first — the exposed hexagonal cells and grayish-brown papery material are often easier to spot than the wasps themselves.
- Active from spring through fall, with colonies growing through the warmer months.
- Adults can be seen resting on the nest surface or foraging on nearby foliage and flowers for nectar and insect prey.
Similar-Looking Bugs
- European paper wasp: More classic yellow-and-black banding with orange-tipped antennae, versus the more uniformly reddish-brown tone of this species.
- Common wasp and yellowjackets: Build fully enclosed paper nests rather than an open comb, and show bright yellow-and-black banding rather than reddish coloring.
- Mud daubers: Some species have a similar dark, reddish sheen but build solid mud nests instead of an open paper comb.
- Velvet ants: Reddish and fuzzy, but wingless in the females and lacking the narrow wasp waist and paper-nest-building behavior.
Quick ID Checklist
- Reddish-brown to rusty body color rather than yellow-and-black banding
- Dark, smoky brown wings that stand out against the body color
- Open, uncovered umbrella-shaped paper nest with visible cells
- Long legs, often trailing during flight
- Nest typically located under eaves or other sheltered overhangs
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to tell a red paper wasp from other paper wasps?
Its overall reddish-brown body color combined with dark, smoky wings is the clearest distinguishing feature, compared to the yellow-and-black banding typical of related paper wasp species.
Does this species build the same kind of nest as other paper wasps?
Yes, it builds the same open, umbrella-shaped comb of exposed hexagonal cells without an outer paper envelope, typically attached under an overhang.
Where are red paper wasp nests commonly found?
Sheltered spots such as porch ceilings, eaves, and other overhangs protected from direct rain are typical nest locations.
Is the dark wing color present on all paper wasps?
No, wing darkness varies by species; the notably dark, smoky wings paired with a reddish body are a helpful combination specifically associated with this species.