I found the eyes of this Northern Paper Wasp-Polistes fuscatus to be very attractive especially with the lightly colored face.
Just look at them.
I can tell you from personal experience, so far, that they are not at all aggressive. I’ve photographed them several times from very close range (this was about 8″) and they don’t seem to even notice you unless you get very close and then the wasp will just skedaddle. I would not push my luck and try to pet it as that is a stinger on the abdomen but they are not at all feisty like their cousins, the Bald-faced Hornet or Yellow Jacket.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Great detailed shot, Steve. Glad it is well-behaved, unlike its hornet cousins!
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It has bigger fish to fry than attacking humans which then leads to them getting sprayed…I don’t do that. Sadly, many folks place all wasps and hornets into the one category and spray them all. Thanks, Eliza!
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Lol I wouldn’t pet it either! The photos came out pretty and sharp though. Beautiful insect.
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I’ve since learned that the hooked antennae indicate this to be a male and that males don’t actually have stingers so are safe to pet. I’ll pass just the same. Thanks, Alessandra!
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The eyes go well with the pallid flowers.
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The contrast is in their favor.
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That is one “cool” looking Wasp! Enjoyed seeing your wasp images!
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Thanks, Reed.
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I once petted a bumblebee on a sunflower, but I would not pet a wasp. It is quick in using its stinger.
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I probably wouldn’t pet a bumble either. Brave you, Peter.
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Love those eyes! Great photographs.
Also from personal experience, I agree the species is not aggressive. Although, they will definitely defend a threat to the nest! I tried to capture an image of those pretty eyes recently and was stung four times before I could retreat. My fault.
The paper wasps are good for keeping caterpillar populations in check and nectar at flowers thus helping in pollination.
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Thanks, Wally!
If you got stung then I guess I was lucky being so close and not getting stung myself. Maybe the angle make me disappear behind the lens. Of course I wasn’t by a nest so that might be the difference. I once mowed over a yellow jacket nest while wearing shorts. Shorts being the key word, I did get stung in a very bad place.
They are good ecological citizens.
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Pretty close aggressive or not 😳. I’ve always been careful around them but have also seen them to be pretty calm.
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Most insects, whether the stinging variety or not, don’t really want to mess with us. Especially bees with their barbed stingers that pretty much doom them when used.
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You took excellent shot! Looking great 👍☺️
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Thank you, Priti!
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It’s pleasure of mine stay blessed 😊
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