The species on my deck was Polistes dominula, or the European Paper Wasp. Though very capable of stinging as all wasps are, I have learned that this particular species really only stings if it is attacked. I also considered the fact that I had not noticed this nest until well into the summer, during the height of their activity. Considering the fact that the wasps weren't that likely to sting and hadn't done so already with my regular activty around the door, it seemed inconsiderate of me to remove them just cause I now knew they were there. I am also interested in wasps and bees, so I would also gain the entertainment of watching this nest grow.
My patients was rewarded by this nest as I had the opportunity to photograph a fallen wasp larvae. Typically, larvae are raised in the cells and are normally not seen outside the hive. This larvae I found on the deck just below the wasp nest, either removed for reasons unknown by the adult wasps, or fallen out. Either way it allowed me to take a good look at a wasp larvae and to photograph it as well.
