Red Paper Wasp

Polistes carolina (Linnaeus), native to North America, is a social wasp within the family Vespidae. This species is easily identified by its reddish-brown to dark red body coloration, often with subtle darker markings, and a body length ranging from 17-20 mm. The wings are translucent dark reddish-brown. Nests are constructed from paper-like material, typically forming a single, open comb of hexagonal cells, similar to other Polistes species. The queen initiates the nest in spring after overwintering, laying eggs and raising the first brood of workers.

P. carolina are opportunistic predators, feeding their larvae with caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other insects captured from surrounding vegetation. Adult wasps feed on nectar, fruits, and honeydew. While generally not aggressive, they will sting defensively if their nest is disturbed or if they perceive a threat. Nests are commonly built in protected locations, particularly in hollow trees, under eaves, or within sheltered cavities. Colony size is moderate for paper wasps, typically ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred individuals.