#673: Paper Wasp

Yes, it looks a little like we've jumped back in time - but there is a reason for this return to "P". Basically, as I was working through and colouring some of the illustrations from June and assembling the books, I realised that I had overlooked two very important critters for this letter - the Pronghorn and the Portugese Man 'o War. And, it looked like I could easily add another 8 animals into the PQ book. Hence, the addition of 8 new P critters to my animal-a-day project.

This fellow was suggested by Robert Silberbauer, an entomologist.

The Paper Wasps are so-named because they gather wood and plant stems, combining them with saliva to create a water-resistant nest. These nests are built in sheltered areas, and contain an open comb area for the raising of broods. To protect their offspring from ants, a chemical secretion is spread around the base of the nest's anchor. There are over 1000 species worldwide.Her diet consists of nectar, as well as insects and their larvae. She plays an important role in biological control as well as being a pollinator.