Paper wasps are eusocial insects that live in colonies comprising three castes (males, workers and queens). rubiginosus are fully rust-colored with small dark markings around the body, and this will separate them from other species. rubiginosus are known as “paper wasps” or “red wasps.” A similar species, also common in Louisiana, is Polistes metricus, which is overall darker in color and has yellow on the legs.

Pupae are also white to tan in color and are similar in shape to the adult wasp. They range in size and length depending on which instar stage. Larvae are grub-like with white to tan colors and are legless. Due to variation within both species, positive identification can be difficult. Polistes carolina tends to possess more black markings on the thorax compared to the P. The legs are lighter orange, and the antennae are rust colored tapering to darker brown or black. The wings of both sexes are typically black to dark brown in color.

However, males have more defined black markings than females on some ventrites and tergites. The mouthparts and parts of the legs may have yellow markings. Dark bands are also possible on other areas of the body such as underside and top (ventrites and tergites, respectively) of the abdomen. Color variations are possible, including black markings around the eyes and dorsal surface. carolina possess more of the red, rusty color than those of the males. rubiginosus adults possess slender, elongated bodies 3/4 to 1 inch in length (20-25 mm) with red/rust colors. Both are rust-colored and are similar in appearance and behavior. The two most common species in Louisiana are Polistes carolina and Polistes rubiginosus. Red paper wasps are native species occurring across the southeastern and southcentral areas of the United States.

Wasp with white stripes on stinger