Red wasps are a common insect species found across certain regions. These fascinating insects play various roles in their environment, from their distinctive nesting habits to their foraging behaviors. This article explores the activities and characteristics that define red wasps.
Identifying Red Wasps
Red wasps are easily recognized by their distinct features. They have long, slender bodies, typically 2.5 to 3.2 centimeters (1 to 1.25 inches) long, and are predominantly reddish-brown or rust-colored. Their jet-black wings can have a wingspan of 15 to 25 millimeters (0.6 to 1 inch).
Two common species are Polistes carolina and Polistes rubiginosus. Red wasps are found primarily in the eastern United States, from Texas to Florida, and as far north as New York and west to Nebraska. They are a type of paper wasp, known for their ability to construct paper-like nests.
Nesting Habits and Colony Life
Red wasps construct distinctive papery nests, which are a hallmark of their species. These umbrella-shaped nests have open, hexagonal brood cells visible on the underside. They are built from chewed wood fibers and the wasp’s saliva, drying to form a durable, paper-like material.
Nests are typically found in protected areas, such as under the eaves of buildings, inside attics, sheds, or other outbuildings, and even in natural sheltered locations like hollow trees or under bridges.
Red wasp colonies are social, consisting of a queen, sterile female workers, and males. The queen lays eggs, while workers maintain the nest, forage for food, and care for larvae. A single nest can house hundreds to thousands of individuals.
The colony cycle begins in the spring when a fertilized queen emerges from overwintering and starts building a new nest. As the colony grows, worker wasps are produced, and they take over foraging and nest duties. In late summer or early fall, reproductive males and females emerge and mate, after which the males die, and fertilized females seek protected places to overwinter, ready to start new colonies the following spring. Red wasps do not reuse old nests.
Diet, Foraging, and Ecological Role
Red wasps have a varied diet, consuming both sugary substances and other insects. Adult wasps primarily feed on nectar from flowers, fruit juices, and other sweet liquids. This foraging behavior makes them potential pollinators for various plant species.
For their developing larvae, red wasps are predatory, hunting and feeding them protein-rich insects like caterpillars, flies, and other insect larvae. This predatory habit contributes to their ecological role as natural pest controllers. Wasps also scavenge on carrion or dead insects and animals. They are generalist foragers.
Understanding Their Sting and Behavior
Red wasps will sting primarily as a defense mechanism when they or their nest are threatened. Unlike honey bees, female red wasps can sting multiple times because their stingers are smooth and do not detach. Male red wasps do not have the ability to sting.
When feeling provoked, red wasps may exhibit defensive behaviors such as buzzing loudly, darting quickly, or engaging in chase patterns. While their sting can be painful, it is generally not dangerous unless an individual is allergic to the venom, in which case a severe reaction like anaphylaxis can occur.
To avoid stings, it is advisable to remain calm and move away slowly if a wasp is encountered. Disturbing a nest should be avoided as this is the most common reason for them to attack. If a sting occurs, applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling.