Paper Wasps in North Texas
Appearance:
- Paper wasps are generally slender with long legs and a distinctive, narrow waist
- They have smooth bodies and can vary in color, often displaying shades of brown, red, and
yellow - The wings are folded lengthwise when at rest
Nesting Behavior:
- Paper wasps build open-faced nests, often attached to the undersides of eaves, branches, or
other sheltered locations - The nests are constructed by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva to create a
paper-like material
Colony Structure:
- Paper wasp colonies are relatively small compared to some other social wasps
- A colony typically consists of a single reproductive female (queen), sterile female workers, and
male wasps - The queen starts the nest and lays eggs, and the workers handle foraging, nest building, and
caring for the young
Aggressive Behavior:
- Paper wasps are known for their aggressive defense of their nests
- When disturbed, they may become aggressive and sting in defense
Stinging:
- Paper wasps are capable of stinging repeatedly, and their stings can be painful
- The venom injected during stinging can cause reactions in some individuals
Diet:
- Adult paper wasps primarily feed on nectar, while their larvae are fed with insects and other
arthropods captured by the adults - They play a role in controlling insect populations, making them beneficial in gardens
