Page 175 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

PAPER WASP PAPER WASP PUPA

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

PAPER WASP

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- 2 elbowed 6.Thorax- large holding wings PAPER WASP
2.Eyes - compound 7.Petiole- short & narrow 5
3.Head- chewing mouthparts 8.Abdomen
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- brownish to yellow 7
5.Wings- 2 pair 10.Other- only queen overwinters 8

Life Cycle 1
Eggs develop to adults in an average of 48 days. The original queen is some- 3
times joined by up to six other fertile queens which assist in the nest construc-
tion and maintenance. These additional reproductives are relegated to more or 2
less worker status, for the founding queen maintains dominance and is the only 6
egg-laying individual. Each nest can produce as many as 200 wasps over the
summer. Drawing by Andrew Schaible
PAPER WASP Actual size 3/4”

Paper wasps get their name from the paper-like material from which their nests are made.
These nests are begun in the spring by fertile over-wintering females. Nests are comprised of
many cells, each cell wall is made of wood pulp similar to that from which paper is made. The
nests are frequently located under the eaves of houses, but may also be found inside garages,
in attics, and other protected areas. They also like orchards and vineyards. Nests are often
quickly rebuilt when destroyed as several adults will cooperate to form a new nest. Paper
wasps are yellow and black, and are about ¾ inch to one inch in size. Their sting can be quite
painful--and they will aggressively protect their nests.

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