Northern paper wasp vs Golden paper wasp
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a northern paper wasp from a golden paper wasp, and whether either one bites or stings.
Northern paper wasp
Polistes fuscatus
Golden paper wasp
Polistes aurifer
≠The key differences
P. fuscatus often has distinct facial stripe patterns and a darker overall coloration; range and subtle pattern differences help separate them.
⚖︎Side by side
| Northern paper wasp | Golden paper wasp | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Painful sting |
| Size | 12-20 mm body length | About 15-20 mm body length |
| Colours | Reddish-brown, Dark brown / nearly black, Yellow, Cream / pale | Golden yellow, Reddish brown, Dark brown / black, Beige |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Open wooded areas, gardens, suburban and urban structures; nests under eaves, in sheds, porches, shrubs and tree branches. | Open, sunny habitats and human structures in urban, suburban and rural areas; nests under eaves, rafters, porch ceilings, shrubs and tree branches. |
| Range | Widespread across much of North America, including Canada and the United States; locally common in temperate regions. | Western North America: western United States, parts of western Canada and Mexico (regional limits vary). |
| Active | Spring to autumn (nesting season mostly May-September in temperate North America); diurnal (active in daylight). | Spring to autumn (colony cycle); adults active during warm daylight hours. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a northern paper wasp
- Slender wasp with narrow 'waist' and long legs that dangle in flight.
- Variable facial markings (yellow or cream patches) that differ between individuals—useful identifier of P. fuscatus in combination with regional range.
- Open, umbrella-shaped single-comb paper nests suspended from a stalk, usually without an outer envelope.
- Body 12-20 mm, brown to dark brown with yellow or cream markings on the abdomen and face.
🔍How to spot a golden paper wasp
- Golden to yellow thorax and abundant yellow markings on abdomen and legs (compare with darker Polistes species).
- Slender profile with long legs that hang below the body in flight.
- Open, umbrella-like paper comb nests attached by a single stalk under eaves, rafters or vegetation.
- Geographic location: commonly found in western North America; note overlap with introduced species in some areas.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a northern paper wasp and a golden paper wasp?
P. fuscatus often has distinct facial stripe patterns and a darker overall coloration; range and subtle pattern differences help separate them.
Is a northern paper wasp or a golden paper wasp more dangerous?
Northern paper wasp: Painful sting. Golden paper wasp: Painful sting. Northern paper wasps can deliver painful stings and are defensive around their nest. Workers can sting repeatedly and will defend nests.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.