[4] The species belongs to the eusocial tribe Epiponini, which is characterized by complex nests, morphological differences between castes, and the occurrence of reproductive polygyny.

Age of an P. sylveirae individual can be determined from the pigmentation of the transverse apodeme across the hidden base of the fifth sternum.

Nests are built from foraged cellulose mashed with water, which forms a papery substance used to construct walls.

This swarm-founding species sends several individuals to forage for pulp, and constructs the nest using the material that the pulp-foragers return with.

Workers evaluate the number and quality of the offspring produced by the queen, and monitor the frequency of her aggressive behavior, as that suggests the capability of physical dominance.

The species shows diphasic allometry, which means that two castes and roles within the colony are differentiated by size and shape.

Dominance interactions, search for food and nest sites, reproductive behavior and defense are all mediated by these sensory compounds.

P. sylveirae attacks and consumes the moth larvae, which do a great deal of damage to coffee crops in South America.

Stings of wasps, including that of Protonectarina sylveirae, typically result in painful inflammation at the site of the wound.

Organophosphates, which are commonly used as insecticides for agricultural crops, are extremely toxic and have a large unintended effect on populations of P. sylveirae.

Insecticides reduce the occurrence and effectiveness of many aspects of P. sylveirae behavior, including orientation, motility, feeding, oviposition, and learning.