! Paper Wasp ! Tropical Rainforest, North Queensland Australia

Paper Wasp

Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide

Paper Wasp: Polistes tepidus

This paper wasp species have nests formed of a single horizontal comb of hexagonal shaped paper-like cells attached to the support above by a short stalk.
The picture above shows the worker members of the social colony line the outer edge of the comb in a defence posture to guard their nest against predators.
The milky white eggs, which can be seen suspended within the cells, develop into paper wasp larvae.
Workers feed these grubs on chewed up caterpillars of other insects and, when fully fed, the larvae spin a silken cocoon about themselves in which they develop into adult colony members.

Additional Information: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey

Some of the most obvious wasps seen in the tropical rainforest.
Many of these wasps have stings and use them to protect the colony, so it is always a good advice simply to avoid the nests if you see them.
Script: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide