Polistes dominula, or the European paper wasp has been spotted in Alexandra. Landcare Research researcher Dr Bob Brown, based in Lincoln, gave some insight into the wasp he identified as Polistes dominula, or the European paper wasp. The other two species, known as the German and Asian paper wasps, were thought to struggle to survive through the winters of much of the South Island. Looks could be deceiving — the European paper wasp and its German and Asian counterparts were pests, he said. That close proximity to people increased the chance of disturbing their colonies and the likelihood of the wasps stinging people, Dr Brown said.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 06, 2022 16:41 UTC