Species Insects & ArthropodsEuropean Paper Wasp

European Paper Wasp

Polistes dominula

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula)
Safety note: Caution: Capable of delivering a painful sting.

An invasive species in North America, the European Paper Wasp constructs paper-like nests in urban and rural areas. It is recognized for its slender waist and orange antennae.

Habitat
Prefers sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, and dense vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on nectar and insects, particularly caterpillars.
How common
Common

Best time to see a European Paper Wasp

The best time to see a European Paper Wasp is May–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 40,066 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a European Paper Wasp? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Often confused with

Bald-faced Hornet - see how to tell them apart

Recent European Paper Wasp sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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