Polistes flavus, commonly known as the yellow paper wasp, is a species of social wasp found in North America. It is characterized by its vibrant yellow coloration and slender body shape. These wasps build small, open-celled paper nests in protected areas such as eaves, tree branches, or shrubs. They are known for their aggressive behavior when their nests are disturbed, but they play an important role in controlling pest populations by preying on insects.