Polistes gallicus
Polistes Wasp - This common species of wasp is not present in England or Ireland but more abundant in the Southern warmer parts of Europe. There are many sub species of this wasp. They build nests such as this one in warm dry areas. The family is often referred to as paper wasps. Possibly the reason being that the nests are built with oral secretions and plant fibers to make a paper pulp. The males here are recognised by the curved antennae. I saw this nest in a cactus plant while out birdwatching in the Algarve at Cabanas De Tavira in Portugal.
John Foss Nature Photography Birds Wild Flowers Wildlife Butterflies Moths Greaghnafarna Ballinaglera Ireland Leitrim Derby England UK Algarve Portugal
