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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Yellowjackets and Hornets, Paper Wasps; Potter, Mason and Pollen Wasps and allies (Vespoidea) » Yellowjackets and Hornets, Paper Wasps; Potter, Mason and Pollen Wasps (Vespidae) » Paper Wasps (Polistinae) » Polistes » Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
Photo#32117
Polistes - but which? - Polistes fuscatus - male
Copyright © 2005 Steve Scott

Polistes - but which? - Polistes fuscatus - Male
Giant City State Park, Illinois, USA
September 16, 2005
nectaring on goldenrod, can't id to species level
Contributed by Steve Scott on 18 September, 2005 - 9:20pm
Last updated 28 June, 2006 - 5:41pm

Male Polistes.
This is a male paper wasp, probably P. fuscatus, but there is so much variability among individuals I can't say conclusively.
… Eric R. Eaton, 19 September, 2005 - 12:37pm

 
Male identification
Steve Scott

What are the identifiers for male vs. female. I've noticed that call on several of the shots on the site but no clarification of what to look for.

Thanks
… Steve Scott, 20 September, 2005 - 9:25am

 
Look at the antennae
The males are the ones with the curved tips.
… Beatriz Moisset, 21 October, 2005 - 10:44am

 
Yes, plus....
Yes, males have longer, usually hooked, antennae, but most also have a 'square,' yellow face, in contrast to the female's dark, triangular face. This one is indeed a P. fuscatus.
… Eric R. Eaton, 28 June, 2006 - 5:40pm

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