Paper wasps are sometimes called "umbrella wasps" because their nests consist of a single upside-down layer of brood cells (compartments for the young) suspended by a narrow stalk. They are black, brown, or reddish in color with yellow markings. The nests are constructed in protected places, such as under the eaves of buildings or in dense vegetation. A wasp colony is founded in early spring, soon after the queens (mated females) emerge from hibernation. This female constructs the nest, lays eggs, forages, and raises the first generation of offspring. She then stops foraging, becomes the queen, and rules by dominating her offspring/workers. These worker wasps will defend their nest if attacked. They forage for nectar, their source of energy, and for caterpillars to feed the larvae (young). They are natural enemies of many garden insect pests. As the colony matures, males and the next year's queens are produced. Paper wasps abandon their nests in the autumn. The mated queens are the only members of the colony to survive through winter. The following spring they emerge and begin the cycle anew.