Growth and survivorship of preemergence colonies ofRopalidia fasciata in relation to foundress group size in the subtropics (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Growth of preemergence colonies and colony survivorship of an independent founding polistine wasp,Ropalidia fasciata, in the subtropics are described. When a nest is founded by an association of females, foundresses originate from the same natal nest. Growth rate of preemergence nests in cells/day (nearly equivalent to oviposition rate) is a function of both stage of preemergence colony development and number of foundresses. Rate of nest development (cells/day) is positively correlated with the number of attending foundresses. Nest size increases more rapidly in the egg stage than in the larval stage. The first worker(s) develops faster than does later brood. This may be attributed to the fact that foundresses provide the first larva(e) with intensive care. Factors causing the failure of preemergence colonies are extrinsic: (1) the loss of the foundresses in single-foundress colonies, and (2) predation by large predators on colonies with multiple foundresses.