All-day foraging characteristics of successful underground colonies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vespula vulgaris</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera,Vespidae) in England

Summary Thirteen days of foraging studies, on normally developing colonies of Vespula vulgaris, were carried out between 5 July and 7 October over several years. Seven categories of workers were considered: two of outgoers – earth carriers and non-earth outgoers, and five of incomers – pulp, flesh, full fluid, and partial fluid carriers, and empty incomers. The pre-exponential small-cell colony is characterised by a more-or-less equal frequency of pulp and flesh carriers and a relatively high frequency of non-earth outgoers. These characteristics are related to the needs of a colony rapidly to build its worker population. The exponential small-cell colony is characterised by an increased frequency of earth and pulp carriers, with the latter being more frequent than flesh carriers. These characteristics are related to the enlargement of the nest cavity, the building of small cells and the decreasing weight of workers. The large-cell colony is characterised by a relative lack of earth and pulp carriers, with flesh carriers being more frequent than pulp carriers. The relative lack of earth carriers is probably because the large-celled combs occupy the nest cavity created during the exponential small-cell colony. The relative lack of pulp carriers is probably due to the re-use of pulp from discarded small cells for large cells. The percentage differences between early morning and evening worker categories compared with normal daily foraging (from Archer, 2000) are determined. Despite much variation, during the early morning there were relatively more full fluid carriers and relatively fewer flesh carriers. During the evening, there were relatively more partial fluid carriers and relatively fewer solid carriers. The dissolved component of the fluid is hypothesised to provide a food source to maintain a high, stable nest temperature.Received 20 March 2003; revised 10 November 2003; accepted 21 November 2003.     

Occurrence of the common wasp,Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

After occurring sporadically in New Zealand since 1921, the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris (L.), was found in March and April 1983 to be established in Dunedin, where 6 nests were discovered. Subsequent examination of museum specimens showed that queens had been collected in Wellington in 1978, and nests by January 1982. Christchurch was invaded in early 1984, several workers were collected near Auckland in March and April 1984, and workers were reported at Nelson in March and May 1984. The Dunedin nests were up to 6 times the size of nests recorded from the Northern Hemisphere, and produced up to 23 times as many new queens. Workers, nest size, and nest productivity were sufficiently different from those reported in western North America to suggest that the New Zealand population originated elsewhere. Colour patterning of the head and pronotum readily separate New Zealand V. vulgaris from New Zealand V. germanica. The nest carton of V. vulgaris is brown; that of V. germanica is grey. Conditions in New Zealand appear to be favourable for V. vulgaris; it can be expected to spread and it may at times reach the high population levels experienced in Europe and the western United States.     

Overwintering colonies of German (Vespula germanica) and common wasps (Vespula vulgaris) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

Nests of both common (Vespula vulgaris) and German wasps (V. germanica) sometimes overwinter in New Zealand. Three overwintering common wasp colonies were found in low-altitude honeydew beech forest; about 2% of the colonies initiated there in 1988 survived the winter. Wasp traffic rates from nests in Nelson city and a nation wide survey of wasp abundance, showed that more German wasp than common wasp workers were on the wing in winter and spring. German wasp colonies in Nelson city were more likely to overwinter than were common wasp colonies. Of the active German wasp colonies recorded in Nelson in January and February 1989, only two (4%) had previously overwintered, but these two nests accounted for 38% of all German wasp workers estimated to leave nests in the area. Had other overwintering colonies not been poisoned, overwintering colonies might have accounted for up to 11 % of nests and produced up to 64% of German wasp workers on the wing in January and February 1989.

Overwintering common wasp colonies did not produce queens or drones in their first year or second spring, but all 10 overwintering German wasp colonies examined produced sexuals at both times. German wasp queens produced in winter and spring may influence the number of colonies successfully initiated and affect the population dynamics of German wasps in New Zealand.     

Variation in colour markings of German wasps Vespula germanica (F.) and common wasps Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

German wasps (Vespula germanica F.) and common wasps (V. vulgaris L.) both show variations in colour markings in New Zealand. Overlap in the ranges of markings of the head and thorax is limited enough for ready distinction of queens and workers of the two species. Abdominal markings overlap considerably between the species. Colour markings of males were too similar to identify the species, which were completely separated by the shape of their genitalia. The frequency of occurrence of “intermediate” markings in V. germanica populations did not increase in areas where the two species overlap. This suggests there is little or no genetic exchange between the two species.     

Carbohydrate bait preferences of wasps (Vespula vulgaris and V. germanica) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

Carbohydrates are both a source of food and a potential bait for control of common and German wasps. Carbohydrate preferences of wasps were determined in a series of paired trials by counting the number of wasps caught in traps baited with carbohydrate‐based baits versus a standard protein‐based bait. Factors influencing wasp attraction to carbohydrate‐based baits included bait type, season, weather, and location. A 30% sucrose solution was more attractive than honey, jams, gels, or dry (solid) sugars. The sucrose solution was more attractive in spring and autumn than in summer, probably because rainfall washed away natural carbohydrate supplies. There was a significant relationship between rainfall in the previous week and the proportion of wasps caught in traps baited with sucrose solution versus sardine cat‐food. A higher proportion of German wasps than common wasps was caught in sucrose‐baited traps. This may have been related to seasonal differences in abundance and/or behavioural differences between the two species. In some locations, more wasps were caught in traps baited with sucrose solution than in those baited with sardine cat‐food. The proportion of wasps caught in sucrose‐baited traps was higher in locations without beech scale honeydew than with beech scale honey‐dew. Proportionally more non‐target species (mainly honey bees) and fewer wasps were caught in traps baited with sucrose solution than in those baited with sardine cat‐food. All five bee repellents tested also repelled wasps. These results indicate the importance of determining the bait preferences of wasps (carbohydrate or protein) and the presence of non‐target species before attempting a poison‐baiting operation. They also emphasise the need for a wasp‐specific carbohydrate‐based bait.     

云南贡山黄胡蜂属一新种(膜翅目:胡蜂科)

报道云南贡山黄胡蜂属Vespula 1新种,即贡山黄胡蜂Vespula gongshanensis,sp nov．。模式标本保存在中国科学院昆明动物研究所。     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci for eusocial wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Hymenopterans are an important model for studying the evolution of cooperation in animal societies. Here, we characterize 19 microsatellite loci, isolated from the common wasp Vespula vulgaris, that can be used to study genetic variation in three genera (seven species) within the Vespidae. The number of alleles in V. vulgaris was moderate, varying from 2 to 14, with expected heterozygosity ranging between 0.04 and 0.93. Eleven loci amplified DNA in V. austriaca and Dolichovespula sylvestris, nine in V. germanica, eight in Vespa crabro and V. rufa, seven in D. media and only five loci could be used for D. norwegica.     

Seasonal foraging characteristics during mid-day of successful underground colonies of Vespula vulgaris (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in England

Summary: The hourly transit rates and the number of forager types during the middle of the day are presented for successful colonies of V. vulgaris. Outgoing foragers are divided into earth carriers and non-earth outgoers. Incoming foragers are divided into pulp, flesh and fluid carriers, and empty incomers. Fluid carriers also are divided into full and partial fluid carriers. The transit rates of different colonies are expressed as a percentage of their highest transit rates so that data from different colonies can be considered together. The percentage values of each type of outgoing and incoming forager are calculated from the daily counts so that again, data from different colonies can be considered together. The total hourly number of foragers and forager types during the middle of the day is used to generate a model for a hypothetical larger and smaller colony, during the whole of the colony's existence. During a colony's existence, 27.5 % of the outgoers are earth carriers, and of the incomers, 12.2 % are pulp carriers, 12.0 % flesh carriers, 72.2 % fluid carriers, and 3.7 % empty incomers. The relative lack of earth carriers during the large-cell colony phase can be related to the use of the nocturnal resting space in which some of the large-cell combs are built. This space, at the bottom of the nest, was excavated and used by the workers during the small-cell colony phase. Empty incomers are considered to be new foragers and/or colony guards.     

Variation in the quality of Vespula vulgaris (L.) queens (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and its significance in wasp population dynamics

Abstract

Density‐related variation in queen quality has been proposed as a possible mechanism regulating population fluctuations in Vespula species. We investigated annual variation in the quality (size, weight, and fat content) of adult V. vulgaris queens representing four stages of their life cycle (spring, founding, developing, and emerged) taken from six sites in beech forest, South Island, New Zealand. For each queen the dry weight, head width, and thorax length was measured. For a subsample of queens, the fat content was determined by ether extraction. The size of queen cells was measured from a subsample of nests. Size, weight, and fat content of queens varied between wasp colonies and sites. The smallest juvenile queens were under‐represented in the reproductive population. There was no direct link between body size and food supply. Size and weight of developing queens increased as the number of cells in the nest increased. The size of the queen cells varied significantly among layers in a nest and among nests. The under‐representation of small queens in the reproductive population suggests that queen quality may affect survival and/or competitive ability by increasing winter fat storage, nest building activity, and/or success in usurpation disputes.     

Distribution of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand in 1987

Abstract

More than 50 000 social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were collected between March and August 1987 from throughout New Zealand. The most widespread species is the German wasp (Vespula germanica). The common wasp (V. vulgaris) has colonised about half the country and appears to be still spreading. It tends to appear in urban areas first, presumably because it is transported there with people and/or their belongings. The Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis) and Australian paper wasp (P. humilis), are confined to the northern half of the North Island, but the former species is spreading south.     

Olfactory Learning of Fruit Odors in the Eastern Yellow Jacket, Vespula maculifrons (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Food-seaching workers of eastern yellow jackets, Vespula maculifrons, are attracted by the natural odors of a wide variety of succulent fruits; particularly effective was pear. The only part of a fruit that repelled was the leathery epicarp of oranges. After rewarding with sugar water, odors of six fruits, including the pulpy mesocarp of oranges and, in addition, the leaves of catmint Nepeta cataria, all become highly attractive. To learn the distinctive odors of any one of three fruits (pear, apple, quince), nondiscrimination training with a rewarded fruit was sufficient for the subsequent olfactory preference of the training fruit over the control fruit. In the other cases [banana, hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), grape] simultaneous discrimination training with a rewarded and an unrewarded fruit was necessary and effective for obtaining differential responses to the odors of the training fruits. As far as current evidence goes, olfactory learning plays similar roles in the fruit foraging of this wasp and in the nectar foraging of the honey bee (Apis mellifera).     

Comparative characteristics of nests of Vespula germanica (F.) and Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) from Christchurch City,New Zealand

Abstract

From July 1987 to June 1989, 141 nests and 365 nests, respectively, of the adventive social vespines the German wasp, Vespula germanica (F.), and the common wasp V. vulgaris (L.), from the City of Christchurch, New Zealand, were evaluated for seven major characteristics.

There were few, if any, differences in nest sites, and from spring to early summer in nest traffic, nest size, and numbers of combs. However, Getman wasps showed no preference for direction of nest entrances, while common wasp nests were more numerous in areas most exposed to the morning sun. Some Getman wasp nests survived the winter and began producing new worker cells by late June, but all common wasp nests died by June. Because common wasp nests have been reported surviving the winter in beech forest, which produces honey dew, and honey dew is not available in Christchurch City, common wasp nest survival over winter may be more dependent upon carbohydrates and/or prey dependent upon carbohydrates than the survival of German wasp nests. The presence of large, expanding wasp nests from early spring must impose localised predation pressures virtually unknown in the Northern Hemisphere where overwintering nests are rare. Wasp population dynamics, and impacts of wasps on fauna, are likely to vary between different geographical areas of New Zealand, but as targets for biological control, the two wasp species can generally be considered to be quite similar.     

The spread of the social wasp,Vespula germanica,in Australia

Abstract

Between 1977 and 1989 the social wasp Vespula germanicacolonised mainland Australia and became established in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Accidental transport between towns is the main mechanism of spread. In many towns wasp nests have not been detected until they became widespread; therefore, eradication is difficult Successful eradication has, however, been achieved in many other towns.

Nesting places vary considerably among localities but relatively little among years at anyone locality. Peak wasp abundance occurs between January and April. Control of V. germanica nests costs Australia an estimated $600,000 (Aust. $) annually.     

Successful and unsuccessful development of colonies of Vespula vulgaris (Linn.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract.

• 1 Six categories of immature and five categories of mature colonies are described and their developmental relationships suggested.
• 2 Mature brood destroyed by the workers became numerous in 46.4% of the immature colonies. Most of these formed unsuccessful colonies (36.9%) producing few or no queens. The remaining 9.5% recovered to form successful colonies.
• 3 Successful colonies either reared queens only (mean 356 queens), or queens (mean 1461) and males (mean 254) in their large cells.
• 4 The number of small cells in mature colonies correlated with the number of cells built by the founder queen.
• 5 The greater the number of large cells in a mature colony the greater were the chances that a larger proportion of these cells would be used to rear adults.
• 6 The number of small and large cells are correlated in mature successful colonies.
• 7 Queen activity and quality are important factors in the control of colony size and success.
• 8 Selective destruction of male sealed brood in the large cells is linked to worker, rather than queen, control.

     

Local dynamics of worker activity of the invasive Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) wasps in Argentina

1. The abundance of insects depends essentially on the reproductive success of individuals. In social insects, however, the abundance of sterile workers outside a nest depends on colony size but is also determined by ontogeny, nest demands, and local environmental factors. For invasive social wasps, the drivers of worker abundance are important because they determine the impact that these species have on the native systems, people, and their goods. 2. The aim of the present study was to understand the relative importance of endogenous and exogenous factors on the abundance of workers of populations of Vespula spp., by analysing 12 years of trap captures in NW Patagonia. This is the first attempt to model the activity levels of invasive Vespula spp. wasps over time in Argentina. 3. It was shown that between years, the worker activity of both vespids presents fluctuations, and that of V. germanica is determined by the spring mean temperatures. Within the flight season, V. germanica worker activity is affected by the relative abundance of workers in that year, whereas for V. vulgaris, activity it is affected by the relative abundance of both species that year. We found no relationship between individual weather variables and activity within a flight season for both wasps. 4. The patterns observed for Argentina are similar to those observed in all invaded temperate areas where Vespula spp. are established. This study provides useful information to understand the driving factors that affect Vespula spp. worker activity in Argentina. This could be a necessary step to develop plans to manage these invasive social insects.     

Colony structure and nest characteristics of European wasps, Vespula germanica (F.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in Victoria, Australia

Abstract European wasps, Vespula germanica , are common across southern and south-eastern Australia and have a negative impact upon urban areas, primary industries, and natural ecosystems. Aspects of colony structure and nest characteristics are examined for nests located in the ground and collected from urban and rural sites in Victoria during two summer−autumn field seasons (1996 and 2001). On average, nests were located 28 cm beneath the surface (range 5−58 cm). The average number of combs in the nest and the total area of the nests increased from early February to late May. In addition, the proportion of cells used to produce workers and different life stages (larvae, pupae) also varied throughout the season; being consistent with studies from New Zealand. No differences in colony structure or nest character­istics were detected between urban and rural nests.     

Studies of the seasonal development of Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with special reference to queen production

An account is given of worker characteristics, worker activities and brood characteristics in nests of Vespula vulgaris. Variations in queen productivity and efficiency of reproduction are discussed.     

Division of labor in post-emergence colonies of the primitively eusocial waspPolistes instabilis de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Polyethism was quantified in post-emergence colonies of the primitively eusocial wasp,Polistes instabilis, and compared to polyethism in a sympatric advanced eusocial wasp,Polybia occidentalis. Like P.occidentalis, P. instabilis foragers collected food (nectar and prey) and nest materials (wood pulp and water).P. instabilis foragers showed some evidence of specialization with respect to which materials they gathered, but most foragers, divided their effort among food and nest materials, a pattern that is rarely seen inP. occidentalis. In colonies of both species, more foragers collected nectar than any other material; in contrast, most water foraging was performed by one or two workers. Upon returning to the nest,P. instabilis foragers gave up part or all of most nectar, prey, and pulp loads to nestmates, while water was rarely partitioned. Prey loads were most likely to be given up entirely.P. instabilis workers show evidence of conflict over the handling of materials at the nest. The frequency with which workers took portions of nectar loads from forgers was positively correlated with their frequency of aggressive dominant behavior, and with their frequency of taking other foraged materials. Compared to polyethism inP. occidentalis P. instabilis showed less individual specialization on foraging tasks and less partitioning of foraged materials with nestmates, suggesting that these characteristics of polyethism have been modified during the evolution of advanced insect societies.     

Social behavior and brood decline in reproductive-phase colonies ofBelonogaster petiolata (Degeer) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Colonies ofBelonogaster petiolata in Gauteng (South Africa) produced reproductive offspring (gynes and males) in late January and early February of each nesting season; their appearance was associated with a decline in worker and brood numbers. Brood decline could commence in the presence of a dominant, reproductively active queen, and loss or removal of the queen was not followed directly by cessation of nest growth and brood care. An older worker usually took over the α-position in queenless colonies. Several factors appear to contribute to brood decline and, ultimately, termination of the colony cycle in this species. These include (1) cessation of the supply of solid food to colonies (and particularly their larvae) during the reproductive phase, (2) a decrease in the worker/larva ratio during the latter phase due to the progressive loss of workers, (3) increasing number of gynes and males, and (4) an adult priority over food reception from foragers.