European Paper Wasp

Description:

European Paper Wasp is an Old World species that has a native range from Europe to China. The species is by far the most common Polistes in Western Europe. P. dominulus has successfully invaded the New World, both in South America (Chile) and North America–and is rapidly expanding its range in the United States. It was first discovered in the US in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1981. Since then it has spread west to Wisconsin and at least as far south as Virginia. It was recently discovered in Sacramento, California and Washington State. It was first found in Michigan in 1994. The European Paper Wasp has a high rate of reproductive increase, and therefore is an excellent invader.

Habitat:

Spotted in backyard

Notes:

Please go to the reference and read the study that MSU has done on this wasp. It's very fascinating.