European paper wasps on hive
These paper wasps are housing in my dad's greenhouse. They don't bother him so he leaves them be. Note the open breeding cells.
These wasps, called French wasps in dutch, are really relaxed compared to the agressive german wasps we are used to in the Netherlands. For this photo my lens is about 20cm away from the hive and they don't seem to bother. I have read they become aggressive only within ~10cm (4inch). Being 'pacifistic' is their way of keeping their hives hidden.
This is about the maximum size the hives become. When the populations grows they start a new hive a few meters away. In my dad's small greenhouse there are already 4 of such hives.
The European paper wasp is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus" Polistes". Its diet is more diverse than that of most "Polistes" species, making it superior over many others during the shortage of resources.
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We also have several species of wasps (some are paper wasps) which have built nests around our house, and we leave them alone and sweep away the structures once the first frost comes. The usually don't get very upset unless someone accidentally bumps a nest! Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago