Site selection by a social wasp in a nesting association (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) |
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Authors: | Karen B. London Robert L. Jeanne |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin, 53706 Madison, Wisconsin;(2) Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 53706 Madison, Wisconsin;(3) 546 Russell Labs, 1630 Linden Drive, 53706 Madison, Wisconsin |
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Abstract: | The tropical social waspMischocyttarus immarginatus is a nesting associate ofPolybia occidentalis in northwestern Costa Rica. We show that an activeP. occidentalis colony is a necessary component of aM. immarginatus nesting site in this part of the latter’s range.M. immarginatus foundresses actively seekP. occidentalis colonies to initiate nests at a modal distance of 8 cm from them. There is an 18-mm lower limit to how closeM. immarginatus can nest in relation toP. occidentalis. At distances of less than this,P. occidentalis workers can reach theM. immarginatus nest while standing on their own nest and robM. immarginatus of its brood when the adults are absent. |
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Keywords: | habitat choice Mischocyttarus Polybia Vespidae symbiosis |
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