Red and black wasps are a fascinating group of insects that capture the imagination. While most people are familiar with the typical yellow and black wasps red and black varieties stand out for their unique coloring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these insects – their identification behavior, habitat, and more.
What Makes Them Red and Black?
There are over 30,000 identified species of wasps worldwide Red and black is an uncommon color pattern compared to the more familiar yellow and black stripes The vibrant red hues are produced by pigments in the wasp’s exoskeleton. The black regions may help wasps absorb heat to stay warm. This coloring provides camouflage as many red and black wasps live in woodlands where they blend in with flowers, bark, and soil.
Where Are They Found?
Red and black wasps have a widespread distribution, especially in warm climates. They are common across the southern United States, Central America, and northern South America. Within the US, they can be found in southeastern states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. A few species have expanded their range further north in recent years as well.
Diverse Species
There is no single red and black wasp species. At least 17 different wasps exhibit this color pattern to some degree. Some of the most common include:
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Dark Paper Wasp – An elongated wasp with red-brown body and black stripes on the abdomen. It builds papery nests and feeds on caterpillars.
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Red and Black Mason Wasp – A solitary wasp that feeds on caterpillars and beetle larvae. It often nests in holes in wood or old nests of other wasps.
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Red-marked Pachodynerus – A large red wasp with black markings. Females hunt caterpillars to provision nests in cavities.
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Rusty Spider Wasp – Identifiable by its violet wings, this wasp paralyzes spiders to feed its larvae.
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Slosson’s Mason Wasp – A poorly studied red wasp found in Florida. Thought to be a solitary ground-nester.
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Eastern Tawny-Horned Spider Wasp – Very painful sting! It paralyzes whole spiders as food for larvae.
Nesting and Feeding Behaviors
Red and black wasps display a variety of nesting habits. Social species like paper wasps build exposed comb nests out of saliva and wood pulp. Solitary wasps nest in pre-made holes in trees, in the ground, or in mud nests.
Their feeding habits are equally diverse. As larvae, most red and black wasps are parasitoids or predators feeding on insects like caterpillars, beetle larvae, spiders, and more. The adults drink flower nectar and pollen. A few tropical species prey on large spiders like tarantulas!
Benefits to Humans
Overall, red and black wasps play an important role in controlling pest populations like caterpillars and spiders. Their pollination services can also improve fruit and vegetable crops. However, they will defend nests if disturbed, so give them space. Getting stung is unlikely unless you grab or accidentally step on one.
Identifying Red and Black Wasps
Here are a few quick ID tips:
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Look for areas of solid black and vivid red/orange coloration. Many have black antennae.
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Abdomens often have black and red banding. Some have yellow as well.
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Wings may be smoky, violet, or blue-black. Legs often red or black.
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Size ranges from tiny 5 mm wasps to very large varieties over 25 mm.
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Note whether the wasp is solitary or colonial. Solitary wasps frequent flowers.
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Watch nesting behavior – does the wasp visit holes in wood, dirt nests, or papery colonies?
With practice, you’ll be able to readily recognize these fascinating insects. Just be sure to enjoy observing them from a distance!
Red Paper Wasp Habitat
These wasps live in dry safe locations: eaves on homes, under porches, attic vents, etc. They have a paper nest that hangs from a central stem. This comb is what holds the eggs, larvae (juveniles), pupae (resting stage between larvae and adult), and adults. In the photo below you can see the adults, larvae (look like large worms inside the cells), eggs (small white ovals inside the cells), and capped cells containing pupae (cells that have a large white cap or bubble over the top of them).
Red Paper Wasps in Georgia
These wasps are usually a brown or red color, often with yellow patterns or banding. They range anywhere from 1.5-2.25 cm in length depending on what species you happen to be dealing with. They also possess a very noticeably pinched waist (wasp waist). Male wasps for most species in this genus have a mostly yellow, if not entirely yellow, face. The larval stages of red paper wasps feed on chewed-up insects, usually, caterpillars, fed to them by the adults. The adults feed on nectar, fruit juices, and sometimes other insects. The comb of a paper wasp nest is unique from other hornets and yellow jackets because it lacks a protective paper covering and is left exposed. If you crack open the paper covering of a hornet or yellow jacket nest you would find a very similar comb structure to that of the paper wasp stacked on top of one another. Do not attempt to mess with a hornet or yellow jacket nest unless you are positive it has been abandoned!
Red and Black Wasp
FAQ
Are red and black mason wasps poisonous?
Although both help as pollinators, both are capable of stinging. Wasps, such as this Red and Black Mason Wasp (Pachodynerus erynnis), can usually be harmless.
Will a cicada killer wasp sting you?
Can Cicada Killers Sting Humans? Female cicada killer wasps have large stingers, and their sting can be very painful, but they rarely sting humans. Unlike other stinging insects, these wasps don’t even have nest-protecting instincts. Male cicada killer wasps don’t even have stingers.
Are red wasps harmful?
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While not as aggressive as yellow jackets, red wasps will sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed.
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For people allergic to wasp venom, a red wasp sting can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
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Unlike bees, red wasps can sting multiple times because their stingers are not left behind in the victim’s skin.
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Red wasps are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies and will defend their nests vigorously.
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Red wasps often build their nests in places like under eaves, on porches, or in trees, so it’s important to be cautious around these areas.
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The red paper wasp, Polistes carolina, is a common species in the southern United States.
Do mason wasps sting humans?
Both the mason and potter wasps are capable of stinging, but rarely do so unless extremely provoked.
Are there black and red wasps?
Most wasps are black and yellow. Red and black wasps aren’t seen as commonly. Multiple red and black wasps are found in the US. Some are even native to North America. Red and black wasps can live solitary lives or social lives. Those living alone typically use burrows to rest and lay eggs while social wasps build colonies and nests.
How long does a wasp sting last?
A wasp sting typically lasts for a few hours to a few days. Initially, there is a sharp pain, followed by redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site. Most symptoms gradually improve over the first 24 hours. However, in some cases, individuals may experience lingering discomfort or localized swelling for a few days. Severe allergic reactions can occur, leading to more prolonged and serious symptoms, which require immediate medical attention. If you suspect an allergic reaction or if the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help promptly.
How can you identify a great black wasp?
The great black wasp is a large, black wasp with steely-blue coloration, setting it apart from other wasps. The black wasps typically inhabit wooded areas and gardens.
Are there red wasps in the United States?
There is a vast number of red wasps in the United States. Some are mainly red, while others have some red coloration. In order to be able to identify the red wasps, we have created a list of the most common red wasps in the United States. Continue reading to find out more. 1. Dark Paper Wasp
What colors do wasps come in?
Wasps have varying colors, with the classic yellow and black combination being the most common. They can also come in mostly black, blue, red, rust, and brown colors and their combinations.
What color are red paper wasps?
Red paper wasps are reddish-brown in color, with a lack of abdominal bands, and black wings. They measure 1” to 1.3” (2.5 – 3.2 cm) long.