Family Vespidae
Species Polistes dominula
I found two of these fast-moving wasps at Red Butte Gardens and I was brave enough to try taking a few shots. I'm
always amazed at a wasp that will let me follow it around with a camera and take flash pictures. If this had been
a Western Yellowjacket, which European Paper Wasps are often mistaken for, I would have been chased off
and possibly stung (have I ever mentioned how I hate yellowjackets? What? Only 2,380 times? I must
be slipping). © Carol Davis, 8-12-2001
European Paper Wasps have mostly orange antennae while Western Yellowjackets have black. Now when you see
a wasp in your yard, just go up and examine the antennae before you decide whether to run for your life.
And don't blame me if whatever wasp you decide to watch got up on the wrong side of its paper bed
and chases you off. Some are as cranky as Ed Asner. © Carol Davis, 8-12-2001
Al European Paper Wasp nest at Bear River MBR. This particular nest was in a 3-foot high bush. I have seen other
nests that have been taken over by spiders (also plentiful at Bear River). This wasp feeds the larvae chopped
up insects but the adult itselt feeds on nectar. © Carol Davis, 8-20-2006
Home - Insects and Bugs of Utah
Other Home - Amazing Nature