Fauna
Insect

European Paper Wasp

Polistes dominula

Also known as Dominula Paper Wasp, European Yellowjacket Wasp

European paper wasps build small, umbrella-shaped open comb nests out of chewed plant fibers mixed with saliva. Unusually social for paper wasps, multiple foundress queens often join forces in spring to establish a nest before competing fiercely for dominant egg-laying rights. Bright yellow antennae and slender bodies make them easy to distinguish from native paper wasps as they hunt caterpillars and flies across gardens and open fields.

Social InsectPredatoryInvasive
European Paper Wasp reference1 / 7
(c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, Flies, Nectar
Predators
  • Birds
  • Praying Mantises
  • Spiders
ThreatsHighly adaptable with few major population threats; targeted by pest management
HabitatsUrban landscapes, sheltered building eaves, gardens, meadows, and shrublands
Life spanWorkers live 3–6 weeks; mated queens live up to 1 year
Classification
  1. OrderHymenoptera
  2. FamilyEumenidae
  3. GenusPolistes
  4. SpeciesPolistes dominula
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Females deliver a painful venomous sting when defending the nest; maintain a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Stings inject venom containing digestive enzymes and peptides that cause sharp pain and trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for bright orange-yellow antennae, slender black-and-yellow patterned bodies, and long legs dangling during flight.
What to do
Give active nests under structure overhangs wide clearance, and avoid swatting at wasps drinking nectar or hunting.
Responsible observation
  • Nest Buffer: Keep a distance of at least two meters from open comb nests attached to building eaves.
  • Antennae Spotting: Look for distinct orange-yellow antennae to confirm identification without getting too close.
  • Garden Presence: Leave foraging wasps alone while they hunt, as they provide natural pest management.
Related species
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