They are some of the most feared wasps as they form nests where they bring all types of food. These wasps (Vespula squamosa) are known for their Texas and Central American distribution. These wasps are very specific to the type of wood they use to build these nests typically only using one piece of wood if it’s good enough for the nest where all wasps come to for more wood fibers.
Small pieces of wood or other wood fibers are used to build the nest. These females are also the wasps that help the dominating female build the nest. They are believed to have a supporting role for the dominating female. Other fertile females help establish the nest. It’s mostly known for a species that builds large nests with up to 320 cells.Ī female assumes the dominance of these large nests. This species grows to a size of up to 20mm. It’s largely found in Texas and areas of New Mexico, California, and Mexico. The Apache Paper Wasp (Polistes apachus) has a brown-yellow body. The highest number of wasps or the peak population times for Metric Paper Wasp colonies are in early June and early July. This is why these wasps return to the same colony for the next breeding season. The intensity of the building effort is typically high. These wasps are also highly efficient at laying eggs together with other species of wasps. Most colonies of the Metric Paper Wasp are found in sheltered areas with plenty of light and near water sources. A dominant female or multiple dominant female wasps are responsible for laying eggs inside the colony. This social wasp is known to work together in creating colonies. Yellow markings are rare and are typically only seen on its head. The Metric Paper Wasp (Polistes metricus) is instantly recognizable by its rusty-red body. Another female quickly assumes the role of the queen in case the queen dies. They lay eggs and look for food.Įach colony is dominated by a large female until new wasps emerge or until the queen dies. Many of these colonies are run by multiple females while others are run by a queen female, a role typically given to the largest female in the colony. The female Hunter’s Little Paper Wasps work together to create a colony. These wasps are social which means they live and work together as a team. First, it’s believed its venom has antimicrobial action which recommends it for further scientific identification. As one of the smallest wasps in Texas, the Hunter’s Little Paper Wasp (Polistes dorsalis) still has a lot of significance. The small wasp only reaches the size of 11-12mm. Hunter’s Little Paper Wasp Polistes dorsalis Most male Eastern Cicada-killer wasps quickly investigate possible threats to the female or possible males looking to mate with the female. They have brown wings and they are seen frequently, especially the males of the very territorial species. The wasps can be further identified by their black-red body with yellow stripes. Aggressive handling will eventually prompt these wasps to bite. It reaches a maximum size of 2 inches, making it one of the largest types of wasps in Texas.ĭespite its size, the wasp isn’t particularly aggressive towards humans. This solitary wasp (Sphecius speciosus) is instantly recognizable given its large size. Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp Sphecius speciosus The female never returns to the place she lays eggs. The female lays eggs in mud nests where she deposits several spiders as prey for the emerging wasps. A common flower the Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp is seen around is Queen Anne’s lace. These wasps are normally seen in the summer months when they like to eat various flower nectars. This is why the species is sometimes referred to as the ‘mud wasp’. They build their nests, typically out of the mud. It can be recognized by its black petiole which is rarely yellow, particularly for the sub-species living in desert climates. Its name is derived from the Latin word of ‘builder’ or ‘builder of walls’. This wasp (Sceliphron caementarium) is part of the sphecid family. Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp Sceliphron caementarium Some defense mechanisms are put in place by these wasps to protect against parasites. Premature death is among the most common threats of the species together with parasites.
A worker wasp of the species lives up to 16 days while the queen lives up to 6 times longer. Guinea Paper Wasps are similar in their male and female appearance but they have different lifespans. These nests are dominated by the queen who lays all the eggs, typically only inside the nest. The Guinea Paper Wasps build nests near the building or in buildings. Yellow markings are also common on the head. They are recognized by a marked yellow propodeum (the first abdominal segment) and mesonotum (the middle part of a 3-segment insect). Texas Guinea Wasps are mostly part of the Typical sub-group. Typical and Variable Guinea Paper Wasps (Polistes exclamans) are found in the US.
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