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A larger wasp about 4cm long, seen individually. 'Scarily' large but this one didn't seem to be at all aggressive. Striking colouration with a narrow black band, hooking as it passes over the side of the abdomen, with a mainly yellow thicker strip. Stripes on the head and thorax oppose those on the abdomen and are simpler. Wings are opaque and the colour of burnt caramel. A very chunky wasp
Not sure of habitat, but with a moderate climate in Niue all year round, this wasp was spotted mid-winter so would not appear to hibernate. This one spotted on some railings next to the Avatele Beach in Niue. Saw another couple over a week.
There is very little information on any of the creatures either endemic, native or introduced to Niue. Very limited access research on my part hasn't thrown any light on a more scientific description
Spotted on Aug 3, 2017
Submitted on Oct 23, 2017
3 Comments
Nice spotting Rach. I once had an up close and personal encounter with either this species or one very like it in Tonga!
Hi Mark
Thank you for the ID and the commentary. It is a cool wee critter!
Spectacular. I think it's probably Polistes olivaceus which is also found in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji. https://www.biolib.cz/en/image/id77159/