Common name(s): This group is sometimes collectively known as the "lesser paper wasps"
Parapolybia nodosa in Hong Kong are mostly brown with white markings. A very similar and equally common species is Parapolybia varia, which looks almost identical but is very slightly smaller, brown with yellow markings and has two vertical stripes on the thorax. Parapolybia nodosa is a fairly small and slender wasp, usually ranging from 11 to 17 mm in total length. (Note that the above-mentioned colour differences apply only to specimens of these two species in Hong Kong. Parapolybia nodosa in other areas such as Taiwan are often marked with yellow instead. The colouration of Parapolybia species in general is extremely variable.)
This is a very common species of paper wasp in Hong Kong, and also one of Hong Kong’s most common social wasps. It can be found almost everywhere, and is often found feeding on dead insects or foraging around rubbish bins.
Parapolybia nodosa nests start small, but can grow to magnificent sizes if the location and weather are favourable and the colony strong. However, their nests usually end up slightly smaller than those of its close relative Parapolybia varia, possibly as a result of their shorter colony cycle; this species emerges each year usually in March, and colonies start to die by September, while Parapolybia varia emerges in April, but colonies often last till December. The nest is often more vertically-orientated than that of its close relative Parapolybia indica. Some large nests can take on rather unique shapes. At its peak, a large nest can contain hundreds of individuals, although most nests are usually smaller. In natural environments, this species usually builds its nest on tree trunks and branches, in shrubs and under building roofs. However, this adaptable species also frequently builds on higher levels of high-rise buildings.
Except for the differences in emergence periods and colony cycle, this species is identical to its near relative Parapolybia varia in most aspects of its biology.