Content of some heavy metal ions in various developmental stages of the social wasp, Dolichovespula saxonica (Fabr.) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

Abstract

In terrestrial ecosystems insects play an important role in the transport and reintegration of both organic and inorganic matter. Thus, the usefulness of insects in monitoring toxicity is important, and their small size makes them convenient test organisms. It is of the utmost interest, therefore, to investigate heavy metal accumulation in such insects which occupy a high trophic levels and to which numerous herbivorous invertebrates are potential preys. Dolichovespula saxonica (Fabr.) is a common social wasp, of palearctic, boreal-alpine areas. It nests above-ground, preferably in trees or wood country cottages. The collection of water and various food, consisting of small insects, carrion, pollen, nectar, aphid-dew or food products, is accomplished only by imagines; larvae are fed and nourished by workers and females. Pretreated food is subsequently digested by larvae themselves. This paper deals with an estimation of the impact of selected heavy metal ions on the relative contamination in various developmental stages and castes of Dolichovespula saxonica (Fabr.). The possibility of ascribing the optionally selected caste as an indicator in monitoring of environmental heavy metal pollution was tested and considered.