We came across a few of these Yellow Paper Wasps, Polistes olivaceus, while in Tonga.

A couple hung around our house, often cruising through the un-shuttered kitchen before heading out into the trees again.

I do wonder how they came to be here. Did they hitch-hike on some vessel or were they blown by the winds from mainland Asia to finally make a home here.

Next time I meet an entomologist I will remember to ask how far flying insects can travel and maybe shed a little light on this one’s story.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Yellow Paper Wasp’ 1/160 f/7.1 ISO400 280mm