European paper wasp vs Red paper wasp
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an European paper wasp from a red paper wasp, and whether either one bites or stings.
European paper wasp
Polistes dominula
Red paper wasp
Polistes carolina
≠The key differences
P. dominula has bold black-and-yellow banded abdomen and a different facial pattern; it is also invasive in North America and tends to nest in more urban locations.
⚖︎Side by side
| European paper wasp | Red paper wasp | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Painful sting |
| Size | 12-20 mm body length | About 20-25 mm body length |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, White / Pale, Reddish brown (antennae/legs) | Reddish-brown, Orange, Yellow, Dark brown |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Human structures (eaves, barns, sheds), shrubs, low trees, and garden areas in urban, suburban and rural landscapes | Woodland edges, gardens, suburban areas; nests in sheltered, dry sites such as eaves, porch ceilings, attics, hollow trees, shrubs and under bridges. |
| Range | Native to Europe and parts of Asia; established as an invasive species in North America, South America, South Africa and other regions | Eastern and southern United States, from the Atlantic coast west to the southern Great Plains and Texas. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn (temperate zones); day-active, most visible in warm daylight hours | Active spring through fall; most visible from late spring to early autumn, daytime activity. |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot an European paper wasp
- Slender body 12-20 mm with narrow waist and long legs that hang during flight.
- Distinct black and yellow banding on abdomen, yellow face and bright orange antennae.
- Small open umbrella-shaped paper nests attached by a single stem, usually without a full outer envelope.
- Compared to native Polistes species in North America, P. dominula is much more extensively black-and-yellow (yellowjacket-like); geographic context helps identification.
🔍How to spot a red paper wasp
- Almost entirely reddish-brown body with dark, smoky wings and few or no yellow markings.
- Elongated body with narrow waist and long legs that hang during flight.
- Builds a single exposed umbrella-shaped comb made of papery material, often without a full outer envelope.
- Found on sheltered vertical surfaces such as eaves, porch ceilings, tree branches or inside cavities.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an European paper wasp and a red paper wasp?
P. dominula has bold black-and-yellow banded abdomen and a different facial pattern; it is also invasive in North America and tends to nest in more urban locations.
Is an European paper wasp or a red paper wasp more dangerous?
European paper wasp: Painful sting. Red paper wasp: Painful sting. Polistes dominula can deliver painful stings and will defend nests aggressively. Polistes carolina can sting repeatedly when defending a nest.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.