Paper wasp

Twenty-two species of Polistes paper wasps have been identified in North America. These wasps gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva, and use to construct water-resistant nests made of gray or brown papery material. The nests are characterized by having open combs with cells for brood rearing, and a constricted stalk that anchors the nest. Paper wasps secrete a chemical which repels ants, which they spread around the base of the anchor to prevent the loss of eggs or brood. Research discovered paper wasps have face recognition abilities comparable to humans.

They generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened; their stings are quite painful and can produce a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction in some individuals.