SCIENTIFIC NAME
Polistes fuscatus
DESCRIPTION
Approximately 17–22 mm. Paper wasps are fairly large. They have long bodies with a broad thorax and abdomen and a tiny, constricted waist. When at rest, their wings fold lengthwise, parallel to the body. The head and thorax are black to brown in colour, while the abdomen is dark with yellow stripes, sometimes with reddish-brown to yellow colouration between the stripes.
RANGE
Found across Canada except in the Territories and Newfoundland. Presence in British Columbia is uncertain.
HABITAT
These insects often build their nests in trees, under porches, along eaves or roof tops.
DIET
Adults mainly drink nectar from flowers like asters and goldenrods. Developing larvae eat other insects or bits of scavenged meat collected by their mothers.
BEHAVIOUR
undefinedPRIMARY ECOSYSTEM ROLES
- Predatory larvae (help to control insect populations)
- Pollinator
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