What is executioner wasp?

Executioner Wasp

The Executioner Wasp (Polistes carnifex) is a large species of social wasp known for its painful sting and relatively docile nature compared to other aggressive social wasps.

• Appearance: These wasps are among the largest Polistes species, with queens reaching up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) in length. They are characterized by their striking coloration: a reddish-brown head and thorax, often with yellow markings, and a black abdomen with yellow bands.

• Distribution: The Executioner Wasp is primarily found in Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to northern Argentina.

• Habitat: They typically inhabit tropical and subtropical forests and open areas, often building nests in sheltered locations such as under eaves, in hollow trees, or on branches.

• Nest Building: Executioner Wasps construct open-comb nests made of chewed wood pulp. Colonies are relatively small compared to other social wasps, often containing fewer than 100 individuals. The Queen%20Wasp initiates the nest and rears the first brood of workers.

• Social Structure: Like other Polistes wasps, they have a Social%20Hierarchy consisting of a queen and worker wasps. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, while the workers perform tasks such as foraging for food, building and maintaining the nest, and defending the colony.

• Diet: Executioner wasps are Predatory%20Insects, feeding on caterpillars, other insects, and nectar. They collect caterpillars to feed their larvae.

• Sting: The sting of the Executioner Wasp is considered exceptionally painful, ranking high on the Schmidt%20Sting%20Pain%20Index. Despite the intensity of the sting, these wasps are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed.