| Asian paper wasps (Polistes chinensis) were first found in 1979 on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula (North Auckland) and in the eastern suburbs of Auckland. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries tried to eradicate the wasp but failed, because it was already too abundant. It had probably arrived in New Zealand a year or two before, as a stowaway in goods from Asia.The main concentration of Asian paper wasps was in the Auckland region. They have since spread as far south as the top of the South Island. We are currently seeking records of the wasp from outside the recorded distribution shown here. Asian paper wasps seem to thrive in warm, sunny backyards that have lots of the garden insects they like to eat! They also like scrubby bush, and may be a threat to some native species in this habitat. |
