Northern Paper Wasp

Description:

Polistes fuscatus can reach a length of 15–21 millimetres (0.59–0.83 in). The basic colour is black or dark brown-reddish, with transversal yellow markings on the abdomen. This species is highly variable in colours and markings, especially in the facial patterns. Females bear a venomous sting. These paper wasps show a characteristic flight, with their long slender legs dangling below their bodies. The adults feed on nectar, their main source of energy, but are also predatory, especially of caterpillars, grasshoppers and small insects, which are used to feed to the larvae until they pupate

Habitat:

This species is mainly present in woodlands, as wood is necessary for building nests, but it is also quite common around human habitations.Can be found in temperate North America, from British Columbia and Quebec to Florida and West Virginia. It is the native "paper wasp" most common in the American midwest.

Notes:

Found in flower garden in northern Virginia.