Mountain Paper Wasp
Polistes biglumis
- Group
- Social wasp
- Risk
- No danger
- Protection status
- Not protected
- Identifying features
-
- Resembles the Gallic paper wasp
- Antennae dark on the upper side
- Small, uncovered nest
- Peaceable
The mountain paper wasp (Polistes biglumis) belongs to the paper wasp family and is easily mistaken for the Gallic paper wasp. Both species live in small, open nests and are considered very peaceable.
Identifying features
- Similarity: looks very much like the Gallic paper wasp
- Distinguishing feature: antennae dark on the upper side
- Nest: small, uncovered, with the combs openly visible
Risk
None: the mountain paper wasp is considered peaceable and poses hardly any risk to people. Its small nests rarely hold more than a handful of insects.
Protected status in Switzerland
The mountain paper wasp is not protected by law in Switzerland.
What to do about a nest
Because the mountain paper wasp is harmless and only builds small nests, there is usually no need to intervene. A nest in a rarely used spot can simply be left alone.