Explore Map Collection

Check out our basemaps

Print a Map Plus

Generate a high-quality PDF

Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more

Local Flora & Fauna

Learn the ecology of your area

Learn the geologic formation at your feet

Get Started or Sign In

Welcome

Sign up to start exploring the one-of-a-kind Natural Atlas Topo map

Continue with Apple

Or

Already have an account? Sign In

MAP

Topo

Rock Formations

Measure

Copyright © Natural Atlas | Roads, Buildings © OSM Contributors | Data Sources

Topo

Ecoregions

Public Lands

...

BASEMAPS

Default Weather

Temperature

Smoke

...

WEATHER

View All Photos

Polistes

genus

On the Web

On Wikipedia

Wasps of the cosmopolitan genus Polistes (the only genus in the tribe Polistini) are the most familiar of the polistine wasps, and are the most common type of paper wasp in North America. Walter Ebeling coined the vernacular name "umbrella wasps" for this genus in 1975 to distinguish it from other types of paper wasp, in reference to the form of their nests. It is also the single largest genus within the family Vespidae, with over 300 recognized species and subspecies. Their innate preferences for nest-building sites leads them to commonly build nests on human habitation, where they can be very unwelcome; although generally not aggressive, they can be provoked into defending their nests. All species are predatory, and they may consume large numbers of caterpillars, in which respect they…

Read More on Wikipedia

Your Checklist

You have noted 0 Polistes

Learn How to Take A Field Note

Range Map

Range Maps show field notes recorded by Natural Atlas contributors and other datasets via GBIF.org

Join Natural Atlas to keep track of the what you see on your outings.

Join Natural Atlas

Already have an account?

Top Observers