Paper Wasp

Natural Habitat

Found in diverse habitats worldwide, often building nests in protected locations such as under eaves, in attics, or in dense vegetation. They prefer temperate climates.

Diet & Feeding

Adult paper wasps feed on nectar, fruits, and other sugary substances. They hunt various insects, including caterpillars and flies, to feed their larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Paper wasps are semi-social insects that live in small colonies. They construct characteristic umbrella-shaped nests from plant fibers mixed with saliva, giving them a paper-like appearance. Queens initiate nests, and workers help expand and maintain them. They are generally not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed or they feel threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include painful stings, especially to individuals allergic to venom. Benefits include their role as predators of agricultural pests, providing natural pest control, and acting as pollinators for some plants.

Identified on: 10/31/2025