Polistes atrimandibularis is one of three obligate social parasites among the Polistes wasps found in Europe. Of the three social paper wasp parasites, it is the smallest. It parasitizes multiple species such as P. dominula, P. nimpha, P. associus, P. gallicus, and P. biglumis. Females of P. atrimandibularis are unable to build a nest or produce workers, and therefore rely entirely on the host colony.