Asian paper wasp nest
Polistes chinensis Fabricius
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Size range
- This one is about 80 mm across
- Can be up to 200 mm across
Distribution
- Accidentally introduced, now found as far south as Otago
Life History
- Medium sized insects, 12–15 mm long
- 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