This lovely specimen attached itself to my car window. It was injured and never made it back to nature. Since I was attacked a couple years ago by yellow jackets (I thought they were sweat bees), I am trying to ID more of my buzzing buddies. The red coloration was striking on this one. Any ideas?
This is a paper wasp (family Vespidae) in the genus Polistes. They are not aggressive, but will sting if you disturb their nest. I have found their sting to be quite painful, but that the pain subsides rather quickly.
Thanks so much! We had paper wasp nests several years ago, and I guess they are back. I am relieved it's not some variety of hornet. I never want to go through the 40 plus stings again!
