Polistes semenowi

Polistes semenowi, like most other paper wasps, are typically 0.7–1.0 inches long. Because it is a social parasite, it is adapted for fighting off the host species, and has some morphological distinctions. P. semenowi is known to have larger mandibles and anterior legs than those of related species. It also has a more square-shaped head, which is hypothesized to have evolved from the need for robust muscles to power the larger mandibles. Additionally, there is often a black band in the lower half of the clypeus. This trait in particular distinguishes it from its host species P. dominula. P. semenowi males typically have a more complete coloration of the body than the females, with the colors ranging from yellow to almost white. A typical paper wasp nest resembles a papery material, and is made of saliva and fibers from wood and plants. P. semenowi, however, has lost the nest making ability. Instead, it relies on the nests of its host species Polistes dominula, whose nests are made of the typical paper material with many combs.

P. semenowi is found in southeastern and south-central Europe, as well as central Asia.

P. semenowi larvae feed on what P. dominula feeds on, since it is the host workers who are collecting the food. It has been found that P. dominula food is from three insect orders. P. dominula, unlike many other social wasps, is known as a very generalist predator, and is both opportunistic and very flexible in selecting their prey. Adult P. semenowi wasps have been shown to eat the larvae of other insect species including Tenebrio molitor larvae (a beetle species) and fly maggots. It has also been shown that the parasitic P. semenowi female may use the host eggs as nutrition soon after usurpation occurs. Additionally, in P. semenowi, a peculiar phenomenon is observed during usurpation season. The female is known to feed on flowers in the early morning and in the late afternoon. This is thought to have evolved so the female could attempt to usurp in the middle of the day, when the host is out feeding.

== References ==