: a vespid wasp (especially genus Polistes) that builds a nest of papery material
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Some wasp types, such as paper wasps and yellow jackets, are known to build a nest even if another colony is nearby if the nesting site meets their criteria.—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025 The three most commonly encountered are hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets.—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 In general, social wasp (yellowjacket, paper wasp, and hornet) nest members die each winter, and nests are not repaired or reused the following year.—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025 When people approach too closely or disturb their nest, paper wasps may sting in defense.—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024 Yellowjackets and paper wasps are the two most common social wasp species in Northern California, Kimsey said.—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 21 July 2024
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