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European paper wasp

European paper wasp

Polistes dominula

A species of Dominula-group paper wasps

A particularly hated invasive species in North America, european paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is well-known for its tendency to nest on human porches and sting if approached. Nests are controlled by a dominant female queen, who lays most of the eggs. Dominance among individuals can be predicted by the shape, size and number of spots they display, with more spots signaling greater dominance within the nest.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the European paper wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About European paper wasp
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Attributes of European paper wasp
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
chaparral; forest; grassland biome; man-made structure
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, aphid honeydew, caterpillars, spiders, fruit juices
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, aphids, beetle larvae, sawfly larvae, spider mites
Biting/stinging
The European paper wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The European paper wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The European 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 European paper 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 European paper wasp
The native range of this species covers much of southern Europe and North Africa, and temperate parts of Asia as far east as China. It has also been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and North and South America. It is considered an invasive species in Canada and the United States.
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Distribution Area of European paper wasp
Orthern Africa, southern Europe, Middle East, eastern China
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Appearance of European paper wasp
the wing lengths of males range from 9 - 13 mm, while those of females range from 8 - 12 mm. Its body is colored entirely yellow and black, similar to that of Vespula germanica, one of the most common and aggressive wasps in its native range. The female mandible is black and sometimes has a yellow spot. Females have a black subantennal mark that rarely has a pair of small, yellow spots. The female vertex sometimes has a pair of small, yellow spots behind the hind ocelli. Females have yellow, comma-shaped scutal spots.
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How to Identify European paper wasp?

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Life Cycle of European paper wasp
Egg The european paper wasp begins as an egg, which is often elongated and tiny. It is generally laid in a secure location within or near a food source, with minimal evident features.
Larva After hatching, the larval european paper wasp appears worm-like and bears little resemblance to the adult. It's voraciously feeding and growing, molting multiple times as it increases in size.
Pupal Once fully grown, the larva encases itself in a pupa. During this stage, the european paper wasp undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing internally to form adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult european paper wasp is distinguished by wings and reproductive capability. Its exoskeleton is hardened. This final stage is dedicated to dispersal and mating.
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Adult Size of European paper wasp
2 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of European paper wasp Larvae
Birds, arachnids, mantises, rodents, bats
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Predators of Adult European paper wasp
Birds, spiders, reptiles, insectivorous mammals
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Scientific Classification of European paper wasp
Tips for Finding European paper wasp
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Youth Habitat of European paper wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of European paper wasp Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of european paper wasp are generally found in nests constructed of paper-like material, which are often located under eaves, in attics, or on the sides of buildings. The larvae are found in these nests as well, where they remain in individual cells and are fed by adults. To locate them, one would search for these nests in human-made structures or sheltered areas. Pupae develop within the same cells where larvae lived, transforming into adults. The adults, which are quite mobile, can be found in a variety of environments as they seek food, such as flowering plants, or materials for nest building, but they commonly return to or reside near the nest site.
Are European paper wasp harmful?
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The european 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 European paper wasp harmful to humans?

European 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 European paper wasp
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

European paper wasp possesses a sting used for defense capable of delivering a neurotoxin to humans. The toxin can cause pain, swelling, redness, and itching at the sting site. Though effects are typically mild and temporary, severe stings may lead to nausea, headache, and in rare instances, muscle spasms. Optimum treatment involves washing the area and applying cold packs to alleviate symptoms.

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Toxic to Animals

European paper wasp has a venom that can range from mild to severe in its effects. When it stings, the toxin is injected into the victim, causing pain, swelling, and in rare cases, more serious reactions such as allergic responses. Humans, household pets like dogs and cats, as well as smaller mammals, may all suffer from the sting of european paper wasp. The reaction to the sting varies depending on the individual's sensitivity and the number of stings received.

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Does the European paper wasp sting humans?

European paper wasp commonly sting humans when threatened or disturbed, especially near their nests. They possess a sting and venom designed for defense. Stinging typically occurs due to perceived threats from human activities. After stinging, european paper wasp does not die unlike some Hymenoptera, and can sting multiple times. The impact on humans ranges from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. Only female european paper wasp can sting, as males lack a stinger.

More Effects of European paper wasp

Beneficial Effects of European paper wasp
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
European paper wasp assists in plant pollination primarily by seeking out flowers for their pollen, which they consume for nourishment. While feeding, pollen grains adhere to their body and are inadvertently transferred to other flowers, facilitating cross-pollination. They are attracted to flowers by visual and olfactory cues.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Diets
Caterpillars, Aphids
European paper wasp is a stinging wasp that plays a role in controlling pest populations. Adults typically forage to feed their developing larvae, capturing various pests like caterpillars and aphids. The hunting process involves paralyzing prey with their sting before transporting them to the nest as food for the larval wasps.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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