Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Tasmanian paper wasp

Polistes humilis humilis (Fabricius)


Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae

Size range

  • Medium–sized insects, 12–15 mm long.

Distribution

  • Accidentally introduced to New Zealand.

Life History

  • Can sting.
  • Nests are small, umbrella shaped, attached by a short stalk to tree or overhanging eaves of house.
  • Eats caterpillars, nectar, honeydew and fruit.