Egg Weights, Energy Reserves, and Internal Nest Temperatures in Embryo Nests of Dolichovespula maculata (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Eggs of the baldfaced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata (L.), were collected from embryo (spring) nests and summer nests to quantify the energetic contributions provided by the queen. Egg weights were highest in the spring and decreased with progressive nest development. Mean dry weight of eggs in embryo nests was 266.4µg; August nests had a mean dry egg weight of 179.6µg. Nutrient reserves of eggs in embryo nests, in order of importance, were lipid (22%), glucose (9.5%), and glycogen (5%). A 10-d egg incubation experiment snowed a mean loss of 83µg in egg dry weight from an initial weight of 282µg. Temperature recordings from an embryo nest indicated that D. maculata queens can increase the temperature within an embryo nest as much as 4°C above ambient. The energetic contributions that a queen provides to the eggs are discussed with respect to environmental influences on development.