The term "paper wasp" refers to a type of wasp that constructs its nests out of paper-like material by chewing wood and mixing it with saliva. Paper wasps typically have slender bodies with long legs and can be identified by the umbrella-shaped nests they build. They are commonly found in gardens and on buildings, and some species can be quite aggressive if their nests are disturbed.
In terms of frequency of use, "paper wasp" is more common in written contexts, such as in scientific literature, articles about insects, gardening, and pest control, rather than in everyday spoken conversation.
The paper wasp built its nest under the eaves of the house.
La avispa de papel construyó su nido bajo el alero de la casa.
I noticed a paper wasp flying near the flowers in the garden.
Noté una avispa de papel volando cerca de las flores en el jardín.
Be careful not to disturb the paper wasp nest; they can get aggressive.
Ten cuidado de no molestar el nido de la avispa de papel; pueden volverse agresivas.
While "paper wasp" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the characteristics and behaviors of these wasps can lend themselves to various expressions involving wasps in general. Here are some idiomatic expressions related to “wasp”:
It felt like I got stung by a wasp when I heard the job interview went to someone else.
Sentí que me picó una avispa cuando escuché que la entrevista de trabajo se la dieron a otra persona.
Like a bee to honey, but like a wasp to the picnic: Used to describe someone who attracts trouble or negativity.
She always finds her way into disputes, like a wasp to the picnic.
Ella siempre se mete en disputas, como una avispa que se acerca a un picnic.
Buzzing around like a wasp: Describing someone who is being overly active or bothersome.
The term "paper wasp" dates back to the late 19th century when the word "paper" referred to the material they used for nest construction. The word "wasp" comes from Old English "wæps," which is of Germanic origin and relates to insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera.
Synonyms: - Yellowjacket (some species are commonly mistaken for paper wasps) - Hornet (though generally larger and more aggressive)
Antonyms: - Paper wasps do not have direct antonyms, but in the context of beneficial insects, one might consider terms like "honey bee" or "ladybug" as contrasting entities due to their non-aggressive nature and beneficial roles in the ecosystem.