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Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp

Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp

Polistes carolina

A species of Dominula-group paper wasps, Also known as Fine-backed mahogany paper wasp

The fine-backed Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina) can be distinguished by its reddish-brown body. The colony creates a papery nest from wood tissue and saliva. A reproductive queen runs the colony, but is often joined by its "future sisters" that will take over the colony if the main queen dies. All the other wasps defend the colony using their powerful stingers.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
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Attributes of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, tree sap, fruit juices, insect prey, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, larvae of beetles, aphids, spiders, other small arthropods
Biting/stinging
The Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Fine-backed Red Paper 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 Fine-backed Red Paper 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 Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
It is most commonly found in the eastern United States. It has also been recorded as an adventitious species in Ontario, Canada, and was introduced to Bermuda.
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Distribution Area of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
United State
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Appearance of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Typical fine-backed Red Paper Wasps (of both sexes) are about 2.5 - 3 cm long with black wings of lengths ranging from 1.5 - 2.5 cm. Brown stripes are occasionally present on the abdomen. One distinguishing feature between these two is the greater presence of black markings on the thorax of P. perplexus. Females also have more triangular faces with shorter antennae. Males often have more developed black or brown markings such as spots on the midfemur and sterna.
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How to Identify Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp?

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Life Cycle of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Egg The fine-backed Red Paper Wasp starts life as an egg. This stage is characterized by a lack of mobility, visible growth, and a typical oval shape, often laid in protected environments.
Larva Upon hatching, the fine-backed Red Paper Wasp enters the larval stage. At this phase, it is worm-like in appearance, with a voracious appetite, growing significantly in size and shedding its skin multiple times.
Pupal The fine-backed Red Paper Wasp becomes a pupa after fully embracing its larval growth. The pupal form is immobile, with a hard outer casing, as the fine-backed Red Paper Wasp's body undergoes a remarkable transformation inside.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult fine-backed Red Paper Wasp’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
2.5 - 3 cm
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Predators of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous wasps, predatory beetles, mantises
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Predators of Adult Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Birds, mammals like bats, reptiles like lizards, spiders, other predatory insects like dragonflies and praying mantises
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Scientific Classification of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Tips for Finding Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
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Youth Habitat of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas
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Habitat Preferences of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp Through Different Life Stages
In the egg stage, fine-backed Red Paper Wasp can be found in paper-like nests, often sheltered under eaves or within attics. Larvae reside within hexagonal cells in these nests, feeding on chewed prey provided by adults. Adult fine-backed Red Paper Wasp mostly search open fields or gardens hunting for caterpillars to feed their larvae, hovering above flowers for nectar. To find fine-backed Red Paper Wasp in various stages, one should inspect man-made structures and vegetation in temperate zones, listening for the buzzing of adults and observing for nests on building overhangs for eggs and larvae.
Are Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp harmful?
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The fine-backed Red Paper 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.

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Are Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp harmful to humans?

Fine-backed Red Paper 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 Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp possesses a venomous sting as a defense mechanism. Its sting introduces neurotoxic venom that can cause pain, swelling, redness, and itching in humans. Normally, these effects are mild. However, multiple stings or stings to sensitive individuals may result in more severe pain and systemic symptoms. There are no severe toxins affecting humans beyond the immediate area of the sting.

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Toxic to Animals

Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp has a defense mechanism which includes a sting capable of delivering venom. Its stinging can result in mild to severe reactions in various animals, including humans, dogs, cats, and horses. While the effect on some might be just a sharp pain and swelling, others could experience allergic reactions that necessitate immediate medical attention. The adult stage of fine-backed Red Paper Wasp is particularly associated with these defensive actions.

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Does the Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp sting humans?

Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp stings primarily in defense of their nest or when feeling threatened by humans. They typically do not seek out interactions but may sting if provoked. The impact is a painful, localized reaction, with gender differences as only females possess a sting. There is no significant physical consequence for fine-backed Red Paper Wasp after a sting.

More Effects of Fine-backed Red Paper Wasp

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