Paper Wasp Polistes carolina

These wasps appear to subscribe to a sort of non-violent doctrine of laissez-faire, but then again, I've never stalked their nest, looking to exploit their masses for geek glory but instead finding only their collective wrath. Nope, me and P. carolina enjoy a more casual relationship. Which is to say, I've looked for the nest, but just haven't found it yet.

P. carolina is the most commonly observed wasp at the Twisty Compound, seen most often skimming the grass, looking, one assumes, for caterpillars to assassinate.

Photos August 2004

Below left: P. carolina tangled in a hideous webworm web on a redbud tree. But don't worry. The wasp eventually broke free and buzzed off toward a bright future.