POLISTES ERYTHROCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Polistes erythrocephalus is a species of paper wasp belonging to the family Vespidae. Commonly known as the red-headed paper wasp, it is primarily found in regions of southern and central Europe.
These wasps are characterized by their distinctive appearance, with a black body and a vibrant reddish-orange head. They have elongated bodies measuring around 15-25 millimeters in length, consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen. The abdomen of the Polistes erythrocephalus is long and slender, typically ending in a point.
Red-headed paper wasps are considered social insects, forming colonies that typically include a queen, female workers, and males. They construct nests made of paper-like material, which are usually attached to eaves, tree branches, or other structures. The nests have multiple compartments or cells, where the female wasps lay their eggs and care for the developing larvae.
These wasps are primarily carnivorous, feeding on various insects and spiders. They are known to capture prey using their mandibles and venomous stings, which they then consume or use to feed their larvae.
While red-headed paper wasps are generally docile, they may exhibit defensive behavior and sting if they feel threatened. Their venom can cause mild to moderate pain and localized swelling in humans, but usually do not pose a significant threat to human health.
Overall, Polistes erythrocephalus is an interesting species of wasp known for its striking appearance, social structure, and role in controlling populations of other insects through predation.
Etymology of POLISTES ERYTHROCEPHALUS
The word "Polistes" comes from the Latin word "poliste", which means "a wasp". "Erythrocephalus" is also derived from the Latin language and consists of two parts: "erythro-", which means "red" and "cephalus", meaning "head". Therefore, "Polistes erythrocephalus" can be translated as "a red-headed wasp".
