Red wasps are common across the eastern and south-central United States, from New York to Florida and west to states like Kansas and Texas. These insects, scientifically classified within the Polistes genus, are a type of paper wasp known for constructing distinctive nests from wood fibers. Understanding these insects involves exploring their physical attributes, nesting behaviors, ecological contributions, and the nature of their sting.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Red wasps are recognizable by their reddish-brown to rust-colored bodies, which give them their common name. This coloration extends across their head and thorax, often appearing vibrant red or orange. Their wings provide a striking contrast, typically being dark, black, or blackish-purple.
These wasps possess a slender body shape with a characteristic narrow “waist” that separates the thorax from the abdomen. Adult red wasps generally measure between 0.75 to 1.26 inches (19 to 32 mm) in length, making them among the larger wasp species in some regions. While females tend to be more reddish, both sexes may have subtle black markings around their eyes or on specific body segments.
Differentiating red wasps from closely related species like Polistes rubiginosus, which shares a similar rust-colored appearance, can be challenging. Distinctions often rely on microscopic features, such as the texture of specific body parts or the presence of fine hairs. Red wasps are also distinct from yellow jackets, which are smaller, more aggressive, and typically build nests underground.
Nesting Habits and Social Structure
Red wasps are social insects that live in structured colonies, typically comprising a queen, female workers, and male drones. Their nests are constructed from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, which dries to a papery consistency. These nests are uniquely umbrella-shaped, featuring open hexagonal cells that face downward.
Nests are commonly found in sheltered, elevated locations, such as under roof eaves, porch ceilings, or beneath decks and sheds. They may also choose natural cavities like hollow trees. A red wasp colony can grow throughout the active season, housing several hundred to thousands of individuals.
Within the colony, the queen is the primary egg-layer. Female workers build and maintain the nest, forage for food, and care for developing larvae. Male drones mate with the queen, after which they die.
Diet and Role in the Ecosystem
The diet of red wasps varies between adult wasps and their larvae, highlighting their multifaceted role in the environment. Adult red wasps primarily feed on sugary substances, including nectar from flowers, fruit juices, and honeydew produced by aphids. They also consume a sweet liquid secreted by their own larvae.
In contrast, red wasp larvae require a protein-rich diet for their development. Adult worker wasps actively hunt and capture various insects, such as caterpillars, beetle larvae, cicadas, flies, and spiders, which they then bring back to the nest to feed the young. This predatory behavior positions red wasps as natural controllers of insect populations, benefiting agricultural and garden ecosystems by preying on common plant pests.
Beyond their role as predators, red wasps also contribute to pollination. While foraging for nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen between plants, aiding in the reproductive cycle of various flora.
The Red Wasp Sting: What to Know
Female red wasps possess a stinger and can deliver a painful sting, often multiple times, as their stinger does not detach from their body. Male red wasps do not have the ability to sting. A red wasp sting results in immediate sharp, burning pain at the site.
Following the initial pain, the sting area develops localized swelling, redness, warmth, and itching. This swelling can persist for up to a week. While most reactions are mild and confined to the sting site, severity can vary based on individual sensitivity and the number of stings.
Red wasps sting in self-defense or when their nest is threatened. They are less aggressive than some other wasp species, but they will defend their colony if disturbed. Multiple stings can lead to a toxic reaction with symptoms like fever, nausea, or headache. For individuals with an allergy, a red wasp sting can trigger a severe systemic allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, widespread hives, or swelling of the face and throat, which necessitates immediate medical attention.