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Guinea paper wasp

Guinea paper wasp

Polistes exclamans

A species of Dominula-group paper wasps, Also known as Zebra paper wasp, Coral paper wasp

The guinea paper wasp (Polistes exclamans) commonly builds its nest on manmade structures. It usually hunts caterpillars, which the adults will chew up to feed to the larvae. The adults can sting, and they're often ready to protect their nests at all costs. However, they are easy prey for birds, and their nests are often destroyed by invasive ants and other wasps.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Guinea paper wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Guinea paper wasp
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Attributes of Guinea paper wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
man-made structure
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, tree sap, insects, fruit juices, arthropod prey
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, aphids, beetle larvae, fly larvae, spiderlings
Biting/stinging
The Guinea paper wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Guinea 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
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Guinea paper wasp
It is distributed in the Americas.
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Distribution Area of Guinea paper wasp
United States, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Canada
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Appearance of Guinea paper wasp
Although this form's color can vary, it almost always has some yellow coloring. Both the propodeum and the mesonotum are marked with yellow. The propodeum normally has four yellow stripes, whereas the mesonotum has yellow lines. It also may have yellow markings on its head. The wings, however, are not yellow in color or yellow tinged like some other wasps but are infuscate and purple in color. The middle of the flagellum, the base of the abdominal segments, and the outer side of the mid and hind tibiae are infuscate or black colored, as are the wings. Polistes exclamans have antennae banded with red, black and yellow, while most guinea paper wasps only have one antennae color. In females, the fore wing length can range from 1.3 - 1.7 cm and in males the fore wings can range from 1.2 - 1.5 cm. The extent of ferruginous markings is variable.
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How to Identify Guinea paper wasp?

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Predators of Guinea paper wasp Larvae
Birds, spiders, ants, wasps, mantises
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Predators of Adult Guinea paper wasp
Birds, spiders, mantises, dragonflies, bats
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Interesting Facts About Guinea paper wasp
Guinea paper wasp can recognize individual faces, which is unusual for insects and vital for social interactions within their colonies.
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Scientific Classification of Guinea paper wasp
Tips for Finding Guinea paper wasp
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Adult Habitat of Guinea paper wasp
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Guinea paper wasp Through Different Life Stages
To observe the stages in the development of guinea paper wasp, strolls near woodlands, fields, and residential areas prove fruitful. The adult guinea paper wasp constructs nests on twigs or sheltered eaves, where the eggs are laid. Larvae thrive in the protected chambers within these paper-like nests. For a successful search, one must scrutinize under leaves, within crevices, and even check for nests under the overhangs of buildings. Pupae develop in the same nests, often unnoticed until the adults emerge. Distances are seldom required, as all stages are proximal, just the diligence to look high and low on the variety of substrates where guinea paper wasp may reside.
Are Guinea paper wasp harmful?
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The guinea 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 Guinea paper wasp harmful to humans?

Guinea 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 Guinea paper wasp
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Guinea paper wasp's sting contains neurotoxic peptides that can cause pain and localized swelling in humans. Typically, the impact is mild with temporary discomfort. However, in rare cases, the sting can lead to severe pain, dizziness, and headaches. Long-term effects are unusual but can include persistent pain and nerve damage.

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Toxic to Animals

Guinea paper wasp has evolved a defense mechanism where it secretes a mild venom through its skin, especially at the joints. When animals such as humans, dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals come into contact with the organism, they may experience discomfort. Both larvae and adult stages possess this defense capability. While toxicity is generally mild, direct touch can lead to irritation or more severe reactions depending on the animal's sensitivity and exposure level.

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Does the Guinea paper wasp sting humans?

Guinea paper wasp primarily stings in defense of its nest or when it feels threatened. With a social structure that involves a queen and workers, it is usually the female members that have the ability to sting, as males lack stingers. Stings to humans can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. The act of stinging does not typically harm guinea paper wasp, as they retain their stinger afterwards.

More Effects of Guinea paper wasp

Beneficial Effects of Guinea paper wasp
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Guinea paper wasp is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While adults feed on pollen, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen grains between flowers, aiding in plant pollination. This incidental contact during feeding contributes significantly to the pollination process.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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