Nest initiation by German and common wasp queens (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and nest fate at Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

Wasp population size and distribution are influenced by the numbers and timing of nest initiations, and by competition for nest sites and small nests. From winter 1971 to winter 1990, 49 records were obtained of nest foundation by queen German (Vespula germanica F.) and common (V. vulgaris L.) wasps in 1057 bumble bee hives, on a domestic property in Christchurch City. One further nest was founded in a garage on the same property. All but 2 of the 34 German wasp nests, and all 16 common wasp nests, were founded from mid September to late November. Two German wasp nests were founded in January. The late foundation of these nests is probably associated with the overwintering of German wasp nests. Only two reproductive nests, both German, were produced. There were no interspecific interactions, although attempted intra-specific usurpation was recorded in both species. The difficulty of observing nest founding means that much more effort or new techniques will be required to obtain a greater number of nest founding records over limited areas.