Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Adults measure approximately 18-22mm in length.
Coloration: Highly variable, which is the source of its name. The base colour is typically a shade of brown, but it can range from a light, yellowish-brown to a deep reddish-brown or almost black. The body is marked with variable patterns of yellow, orange, or paler brown bands and spots. This variability can make it look like several different species, but the overall body form and nest type are consistent.
Key Features: The key features are its slender build, dangling legs in flight, and the open-comb paper nest. Its high degree of colour variation is also a distinguishing characteristic of this specific species within the Polistes genus.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Moderate. The colony size is constrained by the small, exposed nest and the length of the warm season.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
In spring, a queen starts a new nest by making a few paper cells and laying an egg in each.
Larval Stage
The larvae hatch and are progressively fed pre-chewed caterpillars by the queen and later by the workers. They develop through several instars within their uncapped cell.
Pupal Stage
The mature larva spins a silk cap over its cell to pupate. Inside, it transforms into an adult.
Adult Stage
The first workers emerge and take over foraging and nest-building duties. The colony expands through summer, reaching a modest size of a few dozen individuals. New queens and males are produced in autumn.
Reproduction Rate
Moderate. The colony size is constrained by the small, exposed nest and the length of the warm season.
Generations Per Year
Usually several broods of workers are raised over a single season.
Development Time
Approximately 4-6 weeks from egg to adult.
Seasonal Cycle
Follows the typical annual cycle of all temperate paper wasps. The nest is founded in spring, grows in summer, produces reproductives in autumn, and is abandoned in winter.
Environmental Factors
Dependent on a good supply of caterpillars and other insects to feed its young, and a source of wood fibre for nest construction.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Common in eucalypt forests, woodlands, and coastal heath.
- Thrives in suburban gardens and parks that provide suitable nesting sites and foraging opportunities.
- Often nests under the eaves of houses, in sheds, on fences, and within dense shrubs.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Found along the east coast of Australia, from Queensland, through New South Wales, the ACT, and into Victoria and the south-east of South Australia.
Climate Zones
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Very common in both settings.
Native Range
Native to Australia.
Introduced Range
Not applicable.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
Stable within its natural range.
Limiting Factors
Limited by very cold climates and arid conditions.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Adults are primarily nectar-feeders; larvae are insectivores.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- None.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Venom can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive people.
Contamination Risk
None.
Vulnerable Populations
- People with bee or wasp venom allergies.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A sharp, burning sting, followed by localised swelling and redness.
- Risk of anaphylaxis in allergic individuals.
Transmission Methods
- Sting.
Risk Severity
Moderate. The sting is painful, but the wasp is not aggressive unless its nest is threatened.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$120 - $300 for nest removal if required.
Prevention Costs
$0.
Diy Treatment
$15 - $30 for an aerosol spray if required.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None. It is beneficial.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
None.
Retail Impact
None.
Reputation Damage
None.
Operational Disruption
None.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
A highly effective predator of caterpillars, including many that are pests on agricultural and horticultural crops. They provide a valuable, free pest control service.
Economic Loss
None. Provides a net economic benefit.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Costs associated with treating stings.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- Finding the characteristic open paper nest under an eave or on a branch.
- Observing the wasps coming and going from the nest.
- Seeing the wasps actively hunting for caterpillars on garden plants.
Physical Evidence
- The nest itself.
Behavioral Signs
- The slow, deliberate flight with long legs hanging down.
Seasonal Indicators
- Nests are built in spring and grow through summer, becoming abandoned in winter.
Early Warning Signals
- Seeing a single queen wasp starting to build the first few cells of a nest.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Not applicable.
Exclusion Methods
- In spring, keep an eye on historical nesting hotspots (like under eaves) and knock down any new nests when they are just a few cells in size. At this stage, the single queen will usually be discouraged and move elsewhere.
Landscaping Tips
- Not applicable. They are a desirable part of a garden ecosystem.
Monitoring Strategies
- Casual observation of your property in spring is usually sufficient.
Environmental Modification
- Not applicable.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
If a nest must be removed due to its location, a professional can treat it quickly and safely with a registered insecticide.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Physical removal of the nest after treatment.
Integrated Approach
The best approach is to assess risk vs. benefit. If the nest poses no direct threat, the recommended approach is to leave it alone to allow the wasps to perform their beneficial pest control role.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
Not recommended.
Home Made Traps
Not effective.
Deterrent Methods
A long-distance wasp aerosol can be used at night to treat a small, accessible nest if it poses a hazard. This should be done with caution.
Mechanical Control
Not recommended.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
High for direct nest treatment.
Timeframe
Immediate.
Follow Up Required
None for the treated nest.
Seasonal Considerations
If you can wait until the end of autumn, the colony will die out naturally, and you can simply knock down the empty, inactive nest over winter.
Application Techniques
- Direct aerosol spray onto the nest at night.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
If a nest must be removed due to its location, a professional can treat it quickly and safely with a registered insecticide.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Physical removal of the nest after treatment.
Integrated Approach
The best approach is to assess risk vs. benefit. If the nest poses no direct threat, the recommended approach is to leave it alone to allow the wasps to perform their beneficial pest control role.
Professional Treatment Costs
$120 - $300 for nest removal if required.
Treatment Success Rates
High for direct nest treatment.
Treatment Timeframe
Immediate.
No Featured Providers Available
We're currently updating our featured provider listings for Australian Native Paper Wasp control.
Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Queen emerges and builds a new nest.
Summer Activity
Colony grows, and workers actively hunt for caterpillars.
Autumn Activity
Nest reaches maximum size. New queens and males are produced.
Winter Activity
Colony dies. New queens hibernate.
Breeding Season
Spring and summer.
Peak Activity Period
Nests are largest in late summer and autumn.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm weather is essential for activity and brood development.
Humidity Effects
Adaptable.
Photoperiod Effects
Influences seasonal cycle.
Weather Patterns
Exposed nests are vulnerable to destruction by strong winds and heavy rain.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not a pest. A beneficial native species.
Control Regulations
As a native animal, it is technically protected under wildlife laws, though this is rarely enforced for common species nesting on private property. The focus is on responsible management.
Professional Requirements
A general pest license is needed for commercial treatment.
Environmental Considerations
Their beneficial role should always be the primary consideration before deciding on removal.
Compliance Requirements
- None.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the paper wasp in my garden is this native species?
Distinguishing Polistes variabilis from other paper wasps can be tricky due to its variable colour. However, if you are in eastern Australia and see a paper wasp that is predominantly brownish or reddish-brown, rather than having the bright, bold yellow and black patterns of the introduced European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula), it is very likely to be a native species like P. variabilis. The key is to first identify it as a paper wasp generally: look for the slender body, the long legs that dangle in flight, and the small, open, umbrella-shaped paper nest. If it fits this description, you can be confident it's a paper wasp and not a European Wasp. From there, the more subdued, brownish colouration points towards it being one of Australia's native species, which should be treated as beneficial.
Is this native wasp dangerous?
Like any paper wasp, Polistes variabilis can deliver a painful sting and is capable of stinging multiple times. The venom can also cause a severe anaphylactic reaction in allergic individuals. However, its behaviour is not inherently dangerous. It is not an aggressive insect and will not attack when it is away from its nest foraging for caterpillars. The danger arises only when its nest is threatened. If you get too close, bump the nest, or make sudden movements towards it, the workers will mount a defensive attack to protect their young. Therefore, the level of danger is entirely dependent on the nest's location. A nest in a remote part of the garden is harmless, while a nest on a front-door handle is dangerous. The wasp itself is placid, but its sting must be respected.
Why should I leave a native paper wasp nest alone?
Leaving a native paper wasp nest alone, provided it is in a safe location, is highly beneficial for your local ecosystem and garden. These wasps are expert predators of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects. Throughout the summer, the workers from a single nest will constantly patrol your garden plants, removing dozens of pest caterpillars that would otherwise be chewing on your vegetables and ornamental plants. They provide a free, natural, and highly effective pest control service. By allowing them to thrive, you reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which benefits all other wildlife in your garden, including bees and other pollinators. Tolerating a safely-located nest means you are supporting a native species that actively contributes to the health and balance of your garden.
Does the colour variation of Polistes variabilis mean anything?
The colour variation in Polistes variabilis is a fascinating aspect of its biology and is the reason for its scientific name. The patterns and shades can differ significantly from one location to another, and sometimes even between individuals in the same colony. This variation is likely a result of complex genetic factors and environmental influences. It can be a form of localized camouflage, helping the wasps blend in with the specific vegetation or substrate in their area. For example, darker forms might be more common in shaded forest environments, while lighter, yellowish forms might be more common in open, grassy woodlands. This adaptability in appearance is one of the reasons for its success as a species along the diverse habitats of Australia's east coast.
What should I do if a nest is in a bad spot?
If a Polistes variabilis nest is in a location where it poses a direct and unavoidable risk—for example, on the handle of a garden shed, on a child's swing set, or right next to a busy doorway—then removal is a reasonable safety measure. Because they are less aggressive and have smaller colonies than European Wasps, removal is less hazardous, but should still be approached with extreme caution. The safest method is to call a professional pest controller. For DIY removal, the only recommended method is to use a dedicated wasp-killing aerosol spray that can be used from a distance. This must be done at night, when the entire colony is on the nest and inactive. Wear protective clothing, and spray the nest thoroughly. Never attempt to just knock the nest down without treating it first, as this will result in an aggressive swarm.
Get Expert Help with Australian Native Paper Wasp Control
Need professional assistance with Australian Native Paper Wasp identification or control? Our network of certified pest control experts can provide tailored solutions for your specific situation.
Why Choose Professional Help?
- Accurate Australian Native Paper Wasp identification
- Safe and effective treatment methods
- Customized control strategies
- Licensed and insured technicians
- Ongoing prevention advice
Emergency Response
24/7 availability for urgent wasp issues
Expert Consultation
Free quotes and professional assessment
Guaranteed Results
Licensed professionals with proven track record
Image Gallery
Images of Australian Native Paper Wasp showing key identifying features: