Executioner Paper Wasp (Polistes carnifex)

OTHER NAMES: Executioner Wasp
Latin Etymology: Polistes ("city builder") carnifex ("executioner")

Executioner Paper Wasp (Polistes carnifex) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Polistes carnifex carnifex
Weight: ?  /  Length: 3cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A widespread nest building wasp found across Central and South America, which they create using wood fibres they harvest using their powerful jaw. They prefer coastal, humid and open areas.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Genus: Polistes
SUBSPECIES: P. c. carnifex, P. c. boliviensis, P. c. rufipennis
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto