Paper Wasp

Description:

Polistes humilis or common paper wasps are generally slender with long thin wings. They are 10-15 millimetres long, tan in colour with darker bands and some yellow on the face. Paper wasps make nests of grey papery wood fibre material. The nests are cone-shaped, becoming round as more cells are added. Nests are a maximum diameter of 10-12 centimetres, with numerous hexagonal cells underneath, some with white caps. Paper wasps are a social wasp consisting of small colonies of 12-20 individuals. Adult wasps feed on nectar and make ‘paper’ nests by mixing saliva and wood fibres. Nests are a nursery where larvae are kept one to each cell. The larvae are fed on chewed-up caterpillars caught by the adults. The cells are then capped and the larvae pupate. Most paper wasps die in autumn or winter, while some hibernate to start new nests next season. Paper wasps have some beneficial value as predators of pest caterpillars, however they have a painful sting and will attack any person approaching or disturbing their nest. Thanks to CSRIO for the information.

Notes:

Should of got rid of these well before they got that established.