A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Polistes
Twenty-two species of Polistes paper wasps have been identified in North America. These wasps gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva, and use to construct water-resistant nests made of gray or brown papery material. The nests are characterized by having open combs with cells for brood rearing, and a constricted stalk that anchors the nest. Paper wasps secrete a chemical which repels ants, which they spread around the base of the anchor to prevent the loss of eggs or brood. Research discovered paper wasps have face recognition abilities comparable to humans. They generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened; their stings are quite painful and can produce a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction in some individuals.
Varied habitats
Having looked at photos of paper wasps, I think that this is one of those rather than a hornet.They were feeding on persimmons.
9 Comments
Great series!
As I think it is a paper wasp, I added a photo of a nest.
Interesting!!!
Thank you for the help with ID, Small wonders; I will look into that. Jgorneau - the wasp won; the yellow jackets moved to other persimmons!
Did you see who won?
Great photos!! Looks like a paper wasp - Polistes sp.
wonderful photos and spotting.
what a picture ! - amazing colours too...the persimmon in the background adds to the drama - well done Nopayahnah
Excellent set of pics. Great scene too; great spot.