Social or paper-nest wasps (Vespidae, Polistinae & Vespinae)

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Social or paper-nest wasps (Vespidae, Polistinae & Vespinae)

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Discussion

AlisonMilton wrote:

23 Jun 2025

Hope you reported it.

Vespula germanica

DiBickers wrote:

22 Jun 2025

European wasps are aggressive hunters of insects and spiders, which they feed to their larvae. The adults themselves eat pollen, nectar, other carbohydrates and secretions produced by their young. This wasp out-competes native species for food resources as well as virtually depleting an area of its insect and spider fauna. Vespula germanica also has a large negative impact on human receation activities. Recent records for the wasp have appeared from New Chums Road and Nursery Swamp - we would like to know just how widespread it is in Namadgi - so please report any sightings from there.

The ACT Government treats European wasp nests on ACT Government land. If a wasp nest is on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed by a qualified pest control operator. People should not attempt to treat the nest themselves as they risk being stung.

"A typical European wasp nest is started in the spring by a single queen emerging from hibernation. She raises the first worker wasps herself, which then help her raise more workers, and so the nest grows through the summer. Come the autumn most workers die out while the newly born queens search for a warm, dark place to hibernate." (Dr Reeson, Adelaide University)

For more information about European Wasps and to report a nest on ACT Government Land please visit:
https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/wildlife/pest-insects/wasps

Vespula germanica

DiBickers wrote:

31 May 2025

Without a clear view of the wing tips I can’t really tell if this is Polistes humilis ssp. synoecus or Polistes stigma.

Polistes sp. (genus)

DiBickers wrote:

31 May 2025

@Hejor1 tricky one, at first glance I think the colouration looks similar to Polistes humilis, however the definition and placement of the black marking near the wing tip would indicate this is likely to be Polistes stigma. Given your location, I’m going to Verify it as the latter, but happy to be corrected.

Polistes stigma

DiBickers wrote:

15 May 2025

Polistes humilis ssp. humilis

Polistes (Polistella) humilis