Western Paper Wasp (Mischocyttarus)
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Most Mischocyttarus species are residents of tropical regions. Like its relatives the polistes, it is a social wasp that builds an umbrella shaped paper nest.
The picture shows its characteristic light abdominal color. Physically, the extended thin waist differentiates it from polistes species.
They are beneficial insects. When you are making a nest removal decision, the benefits your receive by their nesting in and around your house need to be weighed against your family and friends' potential for getting stung by upsetting the nest residents.
© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels