Bald-faced hornet (possibly a paper wasp)

Woodlands, gardens, urban areas, and building eaves across much of North America; nests are typically enclosed and paper-like.

Adults consume nectar and other sugary liquids. They capture and chew caterpillars and other insects to feed developing larvae.

Highly social and defensive near the nest, with workers capable of repeated stings. Colonies are annual; fertilized queens overwinter and establish new nests in spring.

Stings can be painful and may cause dangerous allergic reactions, especially near nests. They benefit gardens by controlling caterpillars and other pest insects.