Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Executioner wasp

Executioner wasp

Polistes carnifex

A species of Dominula-group paper wasps, Also known as Wasp, Carnifex

It is a very large yellow and brown paper wasp that establishes small colonies which build nests under the eaves of buildings or suspended from branches.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Executioner wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Executioner wasp
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Executioner wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
evergreen tropical forest; ephemeral swamp; eave of building
Defensive attack
The Executioner wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Executioner wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Executioner wasp feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Executioner wasp typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Executioner wasp
It is native to Central and South America .
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Executioner wasp
Central and South America
Rectangle
Appearance of Executioner wasp
As a member of the order Hymenoptera, Polistes carnifex has mandibles, which may be used to cut vegetation, obtain wood fibers, dig nests, or capture and destroy prey. The mandibles of Polistes carnifex are short. Yet, they are markedly wide at their base, with a length to basal width ratio of approximately 2.0. An external basal area stretches "from the basal margin ... to a point situated about half-way the mandible's length." Polistes carnifex also have teeth. "A convex distal posterior area ... is continuous with the posteriormost apical tooth and stays adjacent to a distal media area." This area is convex in Polistes carnifex. In Polistes carnifex, the third tooth's anterior edge is elongated, compared to in other species.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Executioner wasp?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Executioner wasp
Egg During the egg stage, the executioner wasp remains enased within a protective shell, usually attached to a substrate. This stage is characterized by zero mobility and growth that occurs internally until the larva is ready to emerge.
Larva The larval stage of executioner wasp shows worm-like creatures with a voracious appetite for growth. They often bear little resemblance to the adult form, lacking wings and reproductive structures. This stage is dedicated to feeding and growth.
Pupal Entering the pupal stage, executioner wasp encases itself within a cocoon or chrysalis. It undergoes a significant transformation, reorganizing internally into the adult form. The pupa is immobile and externally static, yet intense development occurs inside.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult executioner wasp's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Executioner wasp
Birds, praying mantises, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Executioner wasp
The alarm pheromone of executioner wasp can trigger nearby individuals to become more aggressive in defense of their colony.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Executioner wasp
Tips for Finding Executioner wasp
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Executioner wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Executioner wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Executioner wasp
Given that executioner wasp are predators of other insects and sometimes feed on nectar and sap, an effective trap food could include sweet substances like sugar water, or decoy prey such as small insects.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Executioner wasp Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of executioner wasp are usually found inside the protective envelope of the paper nest, often suspended under eaves or within cavities in structures. The larvae reside within individual cells of the nest where they grow and are fed by adults, generally located in undisturbed areas such as attics or dense vegetation. Pupae develop within these same cells, undergoing transformation into adulthood. To search for these stages, one must look in sheltered, aerial locations, careful to avoid disturbing the nest. Adults are frequently seen foraging for resources and water in gardens, near flowers, or other vegetated spaces that provide nectar or prey, making these ideal locations to observe mature executioner wasp.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Executioner wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva The larvae of executioner wasp are found inside the papery nests that adults construct. To find them safely, locate the nests in sheltered areas like eaves or tree branches and observe with caution to avoid disturbing the nest or provoking defensive behavior.
Pupal Executioner wasp pupates within its nest, transforming into an adult. Finding executioner wasp at this stage involves identifying occupied nests, which require careful observation without handling the nests to prevent destruction or defensive attacks.
Adult Adult executioner wasp are often found foraging for food or at the nest. You can observe them in natural habitats such as gardens or meadows where they may hunt other insects or visit flowers for nectar. Passive observation or using a sweep net during their active hours can be effective in locating these creatures.
Are Executioner wasp harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The executioner wasp can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Executioner wasp harmful to humans?

Executioner wasp has a sting needle at the tail, which can sting people. But it is not aggressive and rarely attacks humans unless it is threatened. Even so, it should be treated with caution, because it will be very painful after being stung, and it will cause redness and swelling.
Harmful Effects of Executioner wasp
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Human Stinging
Rectangle
Toxic to Humans

Executioner wasp's sting delivers a potent neurotoxin capable of inducing severe pain and potential neurotoxic effects in humans. Predominantly a defense mechanism, the sting's venom can cause localized swelling, redness, and intense pain. In rare cases, it might lead to longer-term neurological issues. Severe encounters can escalate to complications requiring medical attention.

Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

The venom of executioner wasp is used as a defense mechanism and can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe in those affected. When executioner wasp stings an animal, the venom is injected which may lead to pain, swelling, and potential allergic reactions. Humans can experience significant discomfort and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Dogs and cats might exhibit pain and swelling at the sting site. Birds and small mammals can also be affected by the sting, showing similar symptoms of distress, while other insects may be paralyzed or killed.

Rectangle
Does the Executioner wasp sting humans?

Executioner wasp may sting humans usually as a defense mechanism to protect their nest or when they feel threatened. The sting can cause significant pain and swelling. Female executioner wasp are primarily responsible for stinging, as males typically lack stingers. A sting does not have severe physical consequences for executioner wasp itself.

More Effects of Executioner wasp

Beneficial Effects of Executioner wasp
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Diets
Caterpillars
Executioner wasp is a proficient predator, typically hunting caterpillars to nourish their developing young. In their larval stage, they are fed chewed-up prey by adults. This provisioning helps ensure the survival and growth of the next generation. Little-known fact: adult executioner wasp also occasionally consume the bodily fluids of their prey.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow