A guinea wasp, scientifically known as Polistes exclamans, is a social insect belonging to the paper wasp group. These wasps play a role in their ecosystems, contributing to both pollination and the regulation of other insect populations. They are recognized by their distinct physical traits and their paper nests.
Identifying a Guinea Wasp
Guinea wasps are medium-sized, measuring between 0.75 to 1 inch in length, with some individuals reaching up to 2 inches. They display a coloration of reddish-brown and yellow markings, often with black and yellow stripes.
Their body is slender, characterized by a narrow waist. Their antennae are distinctive, banded with red, black, and yellow, setting them apart from many other paper wasp species with single-colored antennae. Yellow markings are found on their heads, with four yellow stripes on the propodeum (the segment connecting the thorax to the abdomen) and yellow lines on the mesonotum (upper back). Their wings are smoky or purple, and the base of the abdomen where it joins the thorax is black.
Where Guinea Wasps Live
Guinea wasps are found across a broad geographical range, primarily in the Americas. Their distribution spans the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and parts of Canada.
These wasps thrive in warm climates and prefer environments with abundant vegetation. They construct their nests in protected locations, such as under the eaves of buildings, within dense shrubbery, or on fences and other man-made structures. They favor well-lit, open sites for their nests.
The Unique Life of a Guinea Wasp
Guinea wasps have an organized colony structure comprising queens, workers, and males. Within the colony, older wasps hold a higher position in the dominance hierarchy. The queen is responsible for laying the eggs, initiating the life cycle of the colony.
Their nests are constructed from chewed plant fibers mixed with saliva, resulting in a paper-like material. These nests consist of a single layer of open cells, resembling an inverted umbrella, and can contain many cells. The development from egg to adult takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Worker wasps emerge first, followed by new queens and males later in the season, ensuring the continuation of the colony.
Adult guinea wasps primarily consume nectar and pollen, acting as pollinators. However, they also hunt small insects to feed their developing larvae. The larvae, in turn, produce a sugary liquid that the adult wasps consume, creating a mutual exchange of nutrients within the colony. While guinea wasps are predators, they can also become hosts for other organisms that lay eggs within their nests.
Are Guinea Wasps a Threat?
Female guinea wasps possess a stinger and will use it defensively if threatened or if their nest is disturbed. Unlike honeybees, guinea wasps do not lose their stinger after an attack, allowing them to sting repeatedly. A sting results in pain, swelling, and localized allergic reactions.
While not considered overly aggressive away from their nests, they will swiftly defend their home and offspring if provoked. To avoid encounters, exercise caution around areas where nests might be present, such as under eaves, in sheds, or within dense vegetation. If a nest is located in a high-traffic area, professional removal may be considered to prevent stings.