Paper Wasp

insects · builders · social insects · paper nests

Master builders. Paper wasps chew up dead wood fibers and mix them with their saliva to create a papery pulp, which they use to build their distinctive umbrella-shaped nests.

Team players. Paper wasps live in groups called colonies where they work together to raise babies, find food, and protect their nest from danger.

Paper-like nests. The nests look like gray or tan paper hanging under eaves or tree branches, with open cells where baby wasps grow up.

Vespid family. Paper wasps belong to a family of social wasps called vespids, which also includes yellow jackets and hornets.