| Paper wasp | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A young paper wasp queen (Polistes gallicus) starting a new colony | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Superfamily: | Vespoidea |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Subfamilies with paper wasp species | |
Paper wasps are a type ofvespidwasps. The term is typically used to refer to members of the vespid subfamilyPolistinae, though it often colloquially includes members of the subfamiliesVespinae (hornets andyellowjackets) andStenogastrinae, which also make nests out of paper.
Paper wasp nests are characterized by open combs with down pointing cells. Some types of paper wasps are occasionally referred to asumbrella wasps due to the distinctive design of their nests.[1]
Approximately 300 species ofPolistes paper wasps have been identified worldwide. The most common paper wasp in Europe isPolistes dominula.[2] TheOld World tribeRopalidiini contains another 300 species, and theNeotropical tribesEpiponini andMischocyttarini each contain over 250 more, so the total number of true paper wasps worldwide is about 1100 species, almost half of which can be found in the neotropics.
The nests of most true paper wasps are characterized by having open combs with cells for brood rearing. The wasps gatherfibers from deadwood andplant stems, which they mix withsaliva, and use to construct nests that appear made out of gray or brown papery material. A 'petiole', or constricted stalk attaches the nest to a branch or other structure.[3] The wasps secrete anant repellent chemical which they spread around the base of the petiole or anchor to prevent the loss of eggs orbrood.[4]
Most socialwasps of the family Vespidae make nests from paper, but somestenogastrine species, such asLiostenogaster flavolineata, usemud. A small group ofeusocialcrabronid wasps, of the genusMicrostigmus (the only eusocial wasps outside the family Vespidae), also constructs nests out of chewed plant fibers, though the nest consistency is quite different from those of true paper wasps, due to the absence of wood fibers, and the use of silk extruded by female wasps to bind the fibers.[5]
Nests can be found in sheltered areas, such as the eaves of a house, the branches of a tree, on the end of an open pipe, or on an old clothesline. Some species, such asRopalidia romandi, will vary their nest architecture depending on where they build their nest.[6]
Three species ofPolistes are obligatesocial parasites, and have lost the ability to build their own nests, and are sometimes referred to as "cuckoo paper wasps". They rely on the nests of their hosts to raise their brood.[7] A fewhornets andyellowjackets are also brood parasites (e.g.,Vespula austriaca).[8]
In temperate climates, in the fall, reproductive males and females are reared. They fly away and mate. Only the new queens hibernate overwinter in a sheltered location.In the spring each searches for a suitable location and starts and maintains a new nest typically by herself until the first brood of female workers matures and helps in all activities except egg laying.
Once eggs hatch, the legless larvae remain in their cells to be taken care of. The wasps hunt prey, primarilycaterpillars, but also other insects likeflies, andbeetlelarvae. The adult cuts up the prey and masticates it (thoroughly chewing it) prior to feeding it to the larvae.
Water is also provided for the larva. Wasps may find a puddle or stream or dew that has collected at the base of some leaves.
When the larvae mature, they pupate in their cell and the workers cap the cell, sealing them in until the adult breaks out of its pupal shell.The open nest is light colored reflecting light and the nest material provides some insulation, even so it can be subjected to elevated temperatures with sun exposure or high ambient temperatures. The wasps can cool their nest by fanning their wings and/or bringing water to place in the nest letting evaporation provide substantial cooling.
Unlikeyellowjackets andhornets, which can be very aggressive,polistine paper wasps will generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened.[9] Their territoriality can lead to attacks on people, and their stings are quite painful and – like all venomous animals – can produce a potentially fatalanaphylactic reaction in some individuals.[10] A study conducted on European paper wasps (Polistes dominula) concluded that wasps with brighteraposematic colors are more venomous, because they have larger venom glands, and offer a stronger warning signal to organisms threatening the nest.[11]
Most wasps are beneficial in their natural habitat and are critically important in natural biocontrol.[3] Paper wasps feed on sugars likenectar,aphidhoneydew and the sugary liquid produced by their larvae. Because they are a knownpollinator and feed on known gardenpests, paper wasps are often considered to be beneficial by gardeners.[10]
When threatened, the wasps have a variety of responses depending upon the severity. Paper wasps usealarm pheromones to coordinate their response. The first level is posturing. They face the perceived threat, stand tall and raise their wings.
At a higher level of threat, the wasp will move around the nest surface. With sufficient disturbance, the wasp will fly around the nest attempting to locate the source, chasing and stinging the threat.[citation needed]