Asian Paper Wasp
Polistes chinensis
Asian Paper Wasp
Legal Status: No Status
Status in New Zealand: Established
Organism: Insects, worms and other land invertebrates
Photo courtesy of: Landcare Research 
This species is in New Zealand.
Do not report sightings to hotline
General information
The Asian Paper Wasp was found in New Zealand in 1979. Attempts to eradicate the wasp failed as it was too well established. It has since been found throughout the North Island and at the top of the South Island.
The wasps are about 13mm in size (smaller than German and common wasps) and are typically yellow and black. Males are smaller and more yellow than females.
Useful Resources
- Royal Society of New Zealand article Growth and survival of colonies of the Asian paper wasp, Polistes chinensis antennalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in New Zealand
- Landcare Research guide
- Environment Waikato
Page last updated: 18 June 2008