Science & Nature • Insect

Paper wasp

Paper wasp is a common name for several social vespid wasps, especially members of the subfamily Polistinae in the genus *Polistes*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paper wasp is a common name for several social vespid wasps, especially members of the subfamily Polistinae in the genus *Polistes*. They are known for building open, papery nests from chewed wood and saliva, often under sheltered surfaces. Paper wasps are widespread and are both predators of other insects and potential stinging pests near people.

Taxonomy and naming

The name paper wasp usually refers to members of the subfamily Polistinae, particularly the genus *Polistes*. In casual usage it may also include other paper-nest-building wasps such as some hornets and yellowjackets.

Description and behaviour

Paper wasps are slender social wasps with long legs and often dark bodies with yellow or brown markings. They live in colonies with a queen and workers, and they can defend nests strongly when threatened.

Nests and habitat

Paper wasps make open comb nests from a papery material formed by chewing wood and mixing it with saliva. Nests are commonly attached under overhangs, branches, decks, or other sheltered places in urban, suburban, and natural habitats.

Ecological role

Paper wasps feed on nectar and hunt soft-bodied insects, especially caterpillars, which makes them useful predators. They may also contribute to pollination while foraging for nectar.

Key facts

Paper wasp is a broad common name rather than a single species.
The term usually refers to vespid wasps in the subfamily Polistinae, especially *Polistes*.
They build papery nests by chewing wood fibres and mixing them with saliva.
Paper wasps are social insects with queens and workers.
They prey on caterpillars and other insects, making them beneficial in gardens and agriculture.

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Canadian context

Paper wasps are present in Canada, including species in the genus *Polistes*, and are encountered by Canadians in gardens, yards, and around buildings during warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Are paper wasps the same as yellowjackets?

No. Paper wasps usually refers to *Polistes* and related paper-nesting wasps, while yellowjackets are a different group within Vespidae, though the terms are sometimes loosely mixed in common use.

Why are they called paper wasps?

They are called paper wasps because they chew wood fibres and mix them with saliva to make a paper-like nest material.

Are paper wasps aggressive?

They are usually not aggressive away from the nest, but they may sting if their nest is disturbed.

What do paper wasps eat?

Adults feed on nectar and other sugary substances, while they also hunt insects such as caterpillars to feed their larvae.

Where do paper wasps live?

Paper wasps occur widely around the world, with many species in temperate and tropical regions, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_wasp
Supports: General definition of paper wasps as social vespid wasps, usually Polistinae, and note that the term can include other paper-nesting wasps.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/paper-wasp
Supports: Taxonomy, appearance, nest construction, and general characteristics of paper wasps in the genus Polistes.
Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Polistes/
Supports: Genus *Polistes*, distribution, habitat, and social behaviour.
NC State Extension — https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/biological-control-information-center/beneficial-predators/paper-wasp/
Supports: Predatory role, social structure, and feeding on caterpillars and other insects.
Cornell University — https://www.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/bees-and-wasps/identifying-bees-and-wasps/paper-wasps
Supports: Identification, common appearance, nesting habits, and beneficial predatory role.