Scientific Name

Polistes sp.

 

Habitat

Fields, meadows, gardens and near buildings. Nests are free hanging and consist of a single layer of cells constructed out of wood and saliva with openings at the bottom. 

 

Life Cycle

In spring several females construct a nest together. One of the females becomes the dominant queen and starts laying eggs. The first generation consists of females only which were cared for as larvae by unmated females. In late summer males emerge from unfertilized eggs and mate. Only mated young females overwinter under leaf litter and in stone walls. 

 

Description

13-25 mm in length; body mostly reddish brown to black with yellow rings and reddish areas on abdomen; wings reddish or amber brown. 

 

Control

Please contact your local county extension office for current information.