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Executioner Wasp

What is executioner wasp?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name *Polistes carnifex*[1]
Common name executioner wasp[1]
Taxon neotropical vespid wasp[1]
Genus *Polistes*[1]
Region Central and South America[1]
Type paper wasp[1]

The executioner wasp is a large, neotropical paper wasp known for its extremely painful sting.

Context

The executioner wasp, scientifically known as *Polistes carnifex*, is a large paper wasp native to Central and South America. Its common name is associated with its very painful sting, making it one of the most feared wasps in its region [1].

Documented claims

  • The executioner wasp is described as a very large wasp. [1]
  • The common name is linked to its painful sting. [2]
  • It is native to warm, tropical regions of Central and South America. [2]

Related

  • Yellow Jacket WaspBoth are types of wasps that people commonly encounter and may want to compare.

Questions and answers

How venomous is the executioner wasp?

The executioner wasp is known for its extremely painful sting, which is linked to its common name [2].

What wasp has the deadliest sting?

The executioner wasp is often considered to have one of the deadliest stings among wasps, though it is not typically lethal to humans.

Is the executioner wasp sting worse than the bullet ant?

The executioner wasp's sting is extremely painful, but the bullet ant's sting is often ranked higher in pain indexes, such as the Schmidt Pain Index [2].

Sources

  1. Executioner Wasp: Complete Guide to the World's Most Feared Stinger — waspexpert.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Executioner Wasps - Miche Pest Control — michepestcontrol.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things