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Glite Dictionary
Polistes

Polistes

9.9
A group of social wasps that make paper-like nests
  • noun
  • /pəˈlɪstɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Polistes
  • The Polistes construct their nests from chewed plant material molded into paper-like combs.

Examples

  • Several species within the genus Polistes are important models for studying social behavior in insects.

  • Unlike hornets, Polistes are generally less aggressive and easier to observe.

  • The Polistes wasp is known for its unique nesting behavior.

  • Have you ever seen a Polistes nest in person?

  • Several species within the genus Polistes are important models for studying social behavior in insects.

  • The Polistes construct their nests from chewed plant material molded into paper-like combs.

  • Unlike hornets, Polistes wasps are generally less aggressive and easier to observe.

Synonyms

paper wasp
vsPolistes
4.7

A social insect that makes papery nests from chewed plant fibers

refers specifically to the scientific genus rather than the nest-making detail

Surface Forms

Polistes singular
Polisteses plural

Etymology

Polistes is a scientific name that comes from Greek. A helpful way to remember it is to think of polis ('city'), because these paper wasps live in social groups like a little 'city' and build paper-like nests together.