Polistes humilis

Australian paper wasp
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Polistinae
Genus: Polistes
Species:
P. humilis
Binomial name
Polistes humilis
Subspecies
  • Polistes humilis humilis
  • Polistes humilis synoecus
Distribution of Polistis humilis

Polistes humilis, known as the Australian paper wasp, is a species of wasp in the family Vespidae that is found throughout Australia and which has been introduced to northern New Zealand. These paper wasps can be identified by their long thin legs and banded yellow and black coloring.[1] They have been known to re-utilize old nests.[2] While the species does not exhibit morphological class differences,[2] there are distinct behavioral differences between queens and workers. In addition, the species is eusocial and benefits from relatedness between individuals. They are known for delivering a painful sting, especially when their nest is disturbed, a behavior that has been developed as a nest defense mechanism. While wasps are often viewed negatively, they play an important pollination role for many plants.[3]

  1. ^ "Common Paper Wasp (Polistes humilis)". Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Spring was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference pollen was invoked but never defined (see the help page).