Polistes gigas, commonly known as the giant paper wasp, is a species of social wasp found in North America. It is one of the largest paper wasps, with queens reaching up to 3.5 cm in length. They are known for their distinctive reddish-brown coloration and yellow markings on their abdomen. These wasps build large, open-celled nests made of paper-like material, usually found in protected areas such as eaves or tree branches.