1981] 
Hathaway — Polistes gallicus 
171 
setts. Both were in enclosed situations, similar to those described as 
typical in the northern parts of the species’ range in Europe. The 
first nest was located inside a metal pole supporting a stop sign. The 
pole was IV 2 cm in diameter, and open at the top. The single 
peduncle of this nest was located 28 cm from the top of the pole. The 
nest was suspended from the pole’s side and faced north. This nest 
contained 134 cells, and measured 8 cm high and 5 cm across. 
A second nest was located inside an open vertical pipe, 35 cm tall 
and 8 cm in diameter. The nest was suspended from the side of the 
pipe and faced west-north-west. Its peduncle was located 6 cm from 
the top of the pipe. This nest contained 153 cells and also measured 
8 cm X 5 cm. 
P. gallicus does not seem to be an aggressive species. I have been 
able to observe a nest from as close as 15 cm, apparently without 
disturbing the wasps. 
The prognosis for permanent establishment of P. gallicus in the 
western hemisphere appears good. The species seems quite able to 
withstand the climate in the northeast. 1980-1981 was an unusually 
cold year in Boston, with 5,819 degree days accumulated between 
June 1 and May 30, as opposed to the 30-year normal of 5,597 
(United States National Weather Service statistics, telephone in- 
formation). 
Recognition of Polistes gallicus 
In northeastern United States P. gallicus would, more likely be 
confused with a yellow jacket ( Vespula spp.) than with another 
paper wasp. Although its shape and flight are similar to the native 
Polistes, it is relatively small and its markings and coloring are 
strikingly different. P. gallicus is black with bright yellow macula- 
tions (see figure 1). 
Specimens collected in Massachusetts have varied considerably in 
their markings, with some showing more yellow than others, 
especially on the clypeus. This has also been true of specimens 
collected from the same nest. P. gallicus is known to be quite 
variable in Europe (Guiglia, 1972). 
Males have completely yellow faces and their antennae are curled 
at the tips, a characteristic common in the genus. Their antennae are 
quite short, however, compared to males of other species. In other 
superficial respects, males of P. gallicus resemble the females. 
