What is executioner wasp?

The executioner wasp (Polistes carnifex) is a species of paper wasp that belongs to the family Vespidae. It is primarily found in Central and South America and is known for its potent sting and relatively large size compared to other wasps. Here's some information about the executioner wasp:

1. Appearance: The executioner wasp is typically yellow and black, with a slender body that can range between 2.5 to 3.2 cm in length. Its wings are translucent, and it has long legs, which are characteristic features of paper wasps.

2. Habitat: This species is commonly found in tropical and subtropical environments, often building nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves. Their nests are made from a paper-like material, which they create by chewing wood fibers mixed with their saliva.

3. Social Structure: As a social insect, the executioner wasp lives in colonies with a structured hierarchy. The colonies consist of a queen, workers, and sometimes drones (males). The queen is responsible for reproduction, while the workers build and maintain the nest, forage for food, and care for the larvae.

4. Sting: The sting of an executioner wasp is highly painful and contains venom that can cause severe reactions in humans, including swelling and intense pain. The sting has been subjectively ranked very high on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, a scale that rates the pain of various insect stings. However, stings are generally not deadly unless the person has an allergic reaction to the venom.

5. Diet: Like other wasps, executioner wasps are omnivorous. Their diet includes nectar, fruit, and other insects, which they hunt to feed their larvae. They play an essential role in ecosystems as both predators and pollinators.

6. Behavior: Executioner wasps are generally not aggressive unless provoked. They will typically defend their nest if they feel threatened. Observations indicate they have solitary hunting behaviors, mainly when looking for food.

While the executioner wasp is notable for its sting, it's important to remember that most wasps are beneficial to the environment due to their roles in pollination and pest control.