Polistes erythrocephalus

Polistes erythrocephalus

''Polistes erythrocephalus'' is a species of paper wasp in the subfamily Polistinae of family Vespidae found in Central and South America. ''P. erythrocephalus'' is a eusocial wasp, meaning that it possesses both reproductive and non-reproductive castes. The cooperation between the two castes to raise young demonstrates the altruistic nature of these wasps. ''P. erythrocephalus'' exhibits a four-stage colony cycle, as do many other ''Polistes'' wasps. This species generally feeds on larvae, occasionally their own, and is preyed upon by species such as army ants.