Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Asian paper wasp

Polistes chinensis Fabricius


Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae

Size range

  • Medium–sized insects, 12–15 mm long

Distribution

  • Accidentally introduced. Now found as far south as Otago

Life History

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

Further information

Additional images