Distribution of Australian Paper Wasps

The Australian paper wasp (Polistes humilis) is sometimes also called the Tasmanian paper wasp. It was the first social wasp to become established in New Zealand, and was abundant in Northland in the 1880s. It probably reached New Zealand by stowing away on boats trading across the Tasman Sea.

Australian paper wasps are concentrated mainly in the Auckland and Northland regions, but isolated samples were also collected in Gisborne and the Waikato. Their distribution is probably restricted by climate.

Australian paper wasps are found mainly in built-up areas.