Wildlife: Critters Big and Small Volume #4, 1 by TheHackster

TheHackster wrote:
Now, this really is a wasp. It will sting you - big time.

It is a Northern Paper Wasp. I think it is pretty.

You've probably seen their nest. The nests are usually suspended from a single, central stalk and have the shape of an upside-down umbrella. Plant and wood fibers are collected by the wasps, mixed with saliva, and chewed into a paper mache-like material that is formed into the thin cells of the nest. The nests are constructed in protected places, such as under the eaves of buildings or in dense vegetation. Normally a colony of several to several dozen paper wasps inhabit the nest.

Most paper wasps measure about 2 cm (0.75 in) long and are black, brown, or reddish in color with yellow markings. Paper wasps will defend their nest if attacked. Adults forage for nectar, their source of energy, and for caterpillars to feed the larvae (young). The good new is that they are natural enemies of many garden insect pests.

Hack