Each wasp in the genus exhibits similar characteristics, but from a phylogenetic standpoint, S. septentrionalis is most closely related to S. surinama and S. cyanea.

[1] Their metasomal tergum (a portion of the abdomen) and sternum both exhibit erect hairs, and their clypeus is imprinted with an area that resembles a dark triangle.

[3] Synoeca septentrionalis is a Neotropical species found in Central and South America, especially in areas such as Costa Rica,[3] Panama,[1] Colombia,[1] Guatemala,[1] Mexico[1] and Venezuela.

[4] Construction is typically done by a group of workers, and, by the time the nest is completed a few days later, eggs will have been laid in the cells by the queen.

It is at this point when the emergence of workers is largely dependent on the necessity to produce reproductive females that will become queens.

However, species such as S. septentrionalis primarily reside in a tropical climate, and this congruency is disrupted, as they may stay in the same nest for more than one reproductive cycle.

[2] Along with this "gaster-rubbing," S. septentrionalis will often chew and lick leaves on the pathway between the two sites,[2] thus enhancing their methods of communication.

It is likely that determinations for which hole to use as an entrance or exit arise as a result of the behavioral patterns and the efficiency with which each individual hive operates.

As a result, they are able to generate a lift force that is able to maintain flight in the presence of their large muscle mass.

[5] Synoeca septentrionalis exhibit a behavior that is known as "cyclical oligogyny," where there are varying numbers of queens per colony cycle.

In colonies with already-established queens, workers will display aggressive behavior in order to inhibit female ovary development.

[12] The defensive behavior in S. septentrionalis often involves a large number of workers leaving the nest in order to display or attack with their stingers in response to a disturbance.

Often, after the wasps leave the nest, they will display their gaster in such a way that it is perpendicular to the ground and the rest of their body; this behavior is defined as gaster-flagging.

Likewise, gaster-flagging could potentially serve as a visual communication method between other members of the colony in order to mobilize them in the presence of a threat.

[8] Along with gaster-flagging, S. septentrionalis will warn the colony when it is disturbed by drumming the inside of the nest, creating a characteristic alarm sound.

It has been observed that more of these birds will nest in trees that are tall, umbrella-shaped, and exhibit a presence of wasps, specifically S. septentrionalis.

",[14] Similarly, out of a possible 4 points on the Starr sting pain scale, S. septentrionalis received a 4, a rating attained by very few other species assayed.