Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#6202
Paper Wasp - Polistes fuscatus - male

Paper Wasp - Polistes fuscatus - Male
Kennebunk, Maine, USA
August 25, 2004
Image1/2;2.5cm;prominent red spot on sides abdomen.Hooked antennae;not aggressive;ID by EE..Polistes spp,male..see his comment

Male paper wasp
The hooked antennae indicate this is a male. Paper wasps, Polistes sp., vary tremendously in color and markings from individual to individual.

 
wasp
V J Hickey: Thanks Eric. I should know that wasps/bees can and do vary as much as people. Question: are there any studies on bee/wasp
DNA.

 
P. fuscatus.
The red spots on the abdomen are relatively consistent in Polistes fuscatus, so moving to that guide page, at least for now:-)