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Photo#871556
Paper Wasp - Polistes aurifer

Paper Wasp - Polistes aurifer
Colbert, Spokane County, Washington, USA
August 17, 2013
I believe we have two species of Paper wasp native to eastern Washington state and I'm unable to separate them out. Here is one taken on mint in my herb garden. Thanks for your help!
Jeanne

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Moved from ID Request.

Paper wasp
Which other one is native besides Polistes aurifer?

 
I understood that Mischocytta
I understood that Mischocyttarus, Western Paper Wasp, was native here. Is that incorrect? If so, that means we have two introduced species and only one native.
Jeanne

 
Introduced
You are correct about the native species. Mischocyttarus flavitarsis ranges as far north as British Columbia. However, there is only one introduced species: Polistes dominula. Vespula germanica is also introduced but it is a yellowjacket.

 
Thank you for the clarificati
Thank you for the clarification! It seems that I have been seeing aurifer and dominulus but not Mischocyttarus yet.
Jeanne

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