Paper Wasp - Polistes apachus

P. apachus

In Texas, specimens may or may not have the two longitudinal yellow stripes on the scutum.

Moved from ID Request.

… George Waldren, 25 September, 2009 - 4:23pm

Thanks for a definitive answer, George.

I think I'm starting to understand that there are substantial regional coloration differences in paper wasps.

… Ron Hemberger, 25 September, 2009 - 4:32pm

Happy to help

There are so many variations, P. fuscatus being the most notorious for this.

… George Waldren, 25 September, 2009 - 5:01pm

Not an expert but...

...a suggestion;
Polistes apachus

… Ron M., 19 September, 2009 - 10:26pm

***

And you are the winner! I really would not have guessed P. apachus!

… Gacko, 25 September, 2009 - 4:32pm

Puzzling

The P. apachus I've seen (California) have yellow markings on the thorax. P. aurifer has a dark thorax. I'd say Polistes dorsalis, but am not at all sure. Hopefully, we'll get some expert commentary.

… Ron Hemberger, 19 September, 2009 - 11:09pm

Pretty sure..

this is a P. aurifer male. Specimens from Texas seem to have a lighter thorax and generally a lighter pattern. But like you said expert commentary would be good

… Vespula vulgaris, 20 September, 2009 - 8:55am

***

This is one that I posted from last year--it was rummaging around my basil plants. This new one was in a field in my neighborhood, maybe a quarter of a mile away. I thought they looked similar.

… Gacko, 20 September, 2009 - 2:26pm

This P. aurifer is a better match than my candidate.

I think you're right, Vespula. There's an amazing difference in color. Here's a California aurifer:

… Ron Hemberger, 20 September, 2009 - 1:09pm

Wouldn't it be sad...

...if we were all three wrong. :)
I am pretty sure now that I am incorrect.

… Ron M., 20 September, 2009 - 8:58am

-Double post-

… Vespula vulgaris, 20 September, 2009 - 8:53am