Polistes

Polistes, commonly known as paper wasps, are a genus of social wasps in the family Vespidae. They are found in temperate and tropical regions around the world, with over 300 recognized species. Paper wasps are characterized by their open, umbrella-shaped nests, which they build from chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva. These nests are typically attached to a substrate by a short pedicel.

These wasps are predators, feeding on a variety of insects, including caterpillars, flies, and spiders. They are important natural predators in many ecosystems. Paper wasps are generally considered less aggressive than yellowjackets or hornets, but they will defend their nests if they perceive a threat. Their stings can be painful, and some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

The social structure of Polistes colonies is founded by a single queen or a small group of cooperating queens. The queen lays eggs, and the resulting female offspring become workers that help build the nest, forage for food, and care for the larvae. Colonies are typically annual, meaning they are initiated each spring and die off in the fall, with only inseminated females overwintering to start new colonies the following year. Paper wasps play a role in pollination as they visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen, though their primary focus is predation. Their presence can indicate a healthy insect population in an area.