Insect · GBIF taxon 5871389
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominulaAlso known as Dominula Paper Wasp, Yellow Paper Wasp
European paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped paper nests suspended by a slender central stalk beneath eaves, porch roofs, and sheltered rock ledges. Females hunt caterpillars, flies, and beetle larvae to feed developing brood, while adult workers sustain themselves on floral nectar and sugary fruit juices. Distinctive bright orange antennae distinguish these adaptable social insects from yellowjackets and native paper wasps.
Social InsectBeneficial PredatorStinger
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Flies
- Aphids
Predators
- Birds
- Praying Mantises
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide use, destruction of nests
HabitatsUrban areas, gardens, meadows, sheltered human structures
Life span1 to 12 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderHymenoptera
- FamilyEumenidae
- GenusPolistes
- SpeciesPolistes dominula
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Females sting defensively when protecting their nest; observe active nests from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Venom delivered via painful stings causes severe localized inflammation and poses a risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis in allergic individuals.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by bright yellow and black body striping, bright orange antennae, and long yellow legs dangling in flight.
- What to do
- Give active nests a wide berth of at least two meters, and remain motionless if a worker hovers nearby.
Responsible observation
- Nest Distance: Keep a distance of at least two meters from active umbrella-shaped nests.
- Calm Demeanor: Avoid sudden movements or swatting if an adult wasp approaches to inspect you.
- Outdoor Food: Cover sweet beverages and ripe fruit when eating outdoors to avoid attracting workers.
Competitor (c) katunchik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by katunchik · cc-by
Competitor (c) Sid Mosdell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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