Nest construction in the subsocial waspParischnogaster mellyi (Saussure) Stenogastrinae (Hymnoptera)

Abstract

Nests ofParischnogaster mellyi were built upon long thin strands of hanging dead vegetation. The nest design varied from a single comb structure to cells spread along the length of the suspension. The preferred nest design was found to be an elongate nest with minimal cell was sharing. On a long nest suspension the first cell was placed remote from either end. Subsequent nest expansion extended both above and below this first cell. It is suggested that advantage of a long, narrow nest may be concealment from visual hunting predators. Nest material is composed of plant cuticle as well as woody stems. It has a composition of fine crumbs and flakes; in consequence it is fragile and unsuited to the large nests. It is suggested that the physical limitations of the nest material in stenogastrinae may have inhibited the evolution of large colony sizes.