Preferred habitat is swamps, marshes and ponds. Eggs are laid on plant material overhanging fresh water. Larva feed on aquatic insects. Average size is 1 inch in length. The adults drink nectar and the juice from rotting fruit.
Preferred habitat is meadows, fields and gardens.
The larva feed on insects that are pre-chewed by the adults. Paper like structures are built to house the larva. Paper wasps are much more tolerant of disturbances than yellow jackets or hornets. Adults drink nectar. The larva feed on insects pre-chewed by the adults.