A bewildering architectural variety exists among the many species of social wasps. This Brazilian Myschocyttarus paper wasp makes a long, rope-like nest.

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
A bewildering architectural variety exists among the many species of social wasps. This Brazilian Myschocyttarus paper wasp makes a long, rope-like nest.

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Synoeca cyanea, a South American social wasp in the family Vespidae, constructs distinctive mud nests.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
After a heavy rain, a Synoeca cyanea worker empties extra water from the colony's nest.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Synoeca cyanea, a South American social wasp in the family Vespidae, constructs distinctive mud nests.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
A Mischocyttarus paper wasp nest.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Mischocyttarus paper wasps.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Mischocyttarus paper wasp on her nest. The long stalk helps protect the nest from ants.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Mischocyttarus paper wasp.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
A bewildering architectural variety exists among the many species of social wasps. This Brazilian Myschocyttarus paper wasp makes a long, rope-like nest.

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
A bewildering architectural variety exists among the many species of social wasps. This Brazilian Myschocyttarus paper wasp makes a long, rope-like nest.

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
A bewildering architectural variety exists among the many species of social wasps. This Brazilian Myschocyttarus paper wasp makes a long, rope-like nest.

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013