Mexican Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus mexicanus
This record describes Mischocyttarus mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A red to dark-brown species with yellow markings. This species is readily distinguished among the genus by its eastern range and ferruginous ground color. The only other species in the genus within our area with a ferruginous ground color is an Arizonian form of M. flavitarsis (former ssp. kaibabensis ), which doesn't overlap with M. mexicanus . M. m. mexicanus has brown mid and hind tibiae, and metasoma dark brown with yellow bands. The mesoscutum often lacks yellow stripes. M. m. cubicola has yellow stripes on the mid tibia and base of the hind tibia; metasoma is reddish with yellow bands. The mesoscutum typically has a pair of yellow stripes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Polistinae
- Genus
- Mischocyttarus (Long-waisted Paper Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern coastal states (SC-AL-TX); south to Honduras and West Indies.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mischocyttarus (Phi) mexicanus (de Saussure 1854)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mischocyttarus mexicanus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mexican Paper Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Matthias Buck , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Paper Wasp
What is Mexican Paper Wasp?
Mexican Paper Wasp (Mischocyttarus mexicanus) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Mexican Paper Wasp?
A red to dark-brown species with yellow markings. This species is readily distinguished among the genus by its eastern range and ferruginous ground color. The only other species in the genus within our area with a ferruginous ground color is an Arizonian form of M. flavitarsis (former ssp. kaibabensis ), which doesn't overlap with M. mexicanus . M. m. mexicanus has brown mid and hind tibiae, and metasoma dark brown with yellow bands. The mesoscutum often lacks yellow stripes. M. m. cubicola has yellow stripes on the mid tibia and base of the hind tibia; metasoma is reddish with yellow bands. The mesoscutum typically has a pair of yellow stripes.
Where is Mexican Paper Wasp found?
Range: eastern coastal states (SC-AL-TX); south to Honduras and West Indies.