An Encounter with a Nest of Arabian Paper Wasps at the Wadi Showkha, RAK

Busy, busy busy! Arabian Paper Wasps working on their nest

You can feel the excitement as I was getting closer to observe these wasps

There is a frenzy of movement in the nest

The open cells contained wasp larvae that are being fed

The closed cells are wasp pupation chambers

This wasp is gathering pollen on an Acacia flower

Paper Wasps are both pollinators and insect larvae predators

The nest is secured, concealed and suspended upon this tree branch

The Acacia trees are in full bloom across the Wadi. Numerous species of insect pollinators are engaged in frenetic activity as they optimized the availability of these floral resources. Exploring along the length of the Wadi we found an unusual patch of greenery. Suspended on a high branch in the innermost portion of intertwined trees, shrubs and vines was a paper-like nest comprised of hexagonal cells being occupied by a contingent of Arabian Paper Wasps. Highly aware of the innate ability of these large yellow wasps to sting, I slowly approach the nest, heart beating fast, constantly watching if I will be attack, inching my way, determine to get my photos. Thankfully, the paper wasps were more focus on nest building than the nosy explorer and his camera. They did not mind the photoshoot, I was able to surpass my paper wasp nest encounter unscathed! 

THE ARABIAN PAPER WASP, Polistes watii (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)

The Arabian Paper Wasps (Polistes watii) also called the Yellow Paper Wasps are large (16-20mm) yellow colored wasps, with long glossy, dark brown wings, large compound eyes, yellow antennae and 3 distinct triangular spots on its head between the eyes. 

They are called paper wasps because they construct paper-like nest. The nest is consist of a single layer of paper like comb with individual cells opening downwards. The comb is suspended from a branch or a solid horizontal surface by a single pedicel. The wasps collect fibers from plants, old wood and mix it with their saliva to create these hexagonal paper like but water resistant combs.    

DISTRIBUTION of THE ARABIAN PAPER WASPS

Faunal records of Polistes watii revealed that it is present in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Pakistan, India and China. 

The paper wasps (nests) are found both in vegetation and in man-made structures.

BIODYNAMICS NOTES

The Arabian Paper Wasps are semi-social insects. They exist in small colonies but without a distinct worker caste. A colony is composed of the founding queen, other inseminated females and males (mainly for mating). The founding queen is assisted by these other inseminated females in nest building. The nest can be small to moderate in size which can contained 150-250 cells.

The nest is held on a tree branch or a horizontal surface by a single pedicel wherein the wasps apply a protective chemical on the base of the nest to deter raids from ants against their brood.  

In each cell a single egg is laid. The larvae grow and develop individually on their designated uncovered cells. These larvae are fed primarily protein from insect prey like caterpillars, flies and beetle larvae (acting as biological control agents). The cells are covered once the larvae are ready to pupate. 

These wasps also feed upon pollen from plants and are considered important pollinators.

Hordes of Arabian Paper Wasps can also congregate around water sources during hot weather to quench their thirst and then carry water back to the comb for their larvae.   

Unlike Yellow Jackets and Hornets (which are quite aggressive), the Arabian Paper Wasps are NOT AGGRESSIVE, they will attack ONLY if directly threatened or when their nest is disturbed. Stings can be quite painful and can cause anaphylactic shock to sensitive individuals. 

If encountered in the field, approach with caution. Do not harass, disturb or attack the comb and the wasps.

I truly had an awesome up close and personal encounter with these super busy Arabian Paper Wasps as they were fully engaged in nest building!

Awesome creatures! AWESOME CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

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