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 Animals
Human Stinging
General Info About Executioner wasp
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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
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Species Status of Executioner wasp
It is native to Central and South America .
Distribution Area of Executioner wasp
Central and South America
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.
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.
Predators of Adult Executioner wasp
Birds, praying mantises, spiders
Interesting Facts About Executioner wasp
The alarm pheromone of executioner wasp can trigger nearby individuals to become more aggressive in defense of their colony.
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Youth Habitat of Executioner wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
Adult Habitat of Executioner wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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.
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.
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?
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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.
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
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Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Human Stinging
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.
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.
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.
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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
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