(the only genus in the tribe Polistini) are the most familiar of the polistine wasps, and are the
most common type of paper wasp.It is also the single largest genus within the family Vespidae,
with over 300 recognized species and subspecies. Their innate preferences for nest-building
sites leads them to commonly build nests on human habitation, where they can be very unwelcome;
although generally they are not aggressive.