Factors restricting the abundance of wasp colonies of the European hornet <i>Vespa crabro</i> and the Saxon wasp <i>Dolichovespula saxonica</i> (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in an urban area in Poland

Abstract

Various factors affecting the reproductive success of Vespacrabro and Dolichovespula saxonica (Vespinae), including their parasitoids, parasites, pathogens and other micro organisms accompanying their nests in the city of LódzŸ in Poland were investigated. Sphecophaga vesparum, Aphomia sociella and especially Quedius brevicornis, whose larvae cause destruction of wasp nests, were recorded. Totally 19 species or groups of bacteria, including pathogens like Pseudomon aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, and 5 species of fungi were identified. Cities create very good conditions for wasp societies. Unfortunately, their presence can cause specific but important risks to humans, which lead to massive destruction of wasp nests. However, this does not cause considerable decrease in the number of colonies of common wasp species but less abundant species may be endangered in cities by this practice. It is thus recommended to limit the number of all wasp nests destroyed and to discriminate between the species.

Phenology of European Hornet, Vespa crabro L. and Saxon Wasps, Dolichovespula saxonica Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and the Influence of the Weather on the Reproductive Success of Wasps Societies in Urban Conditions

“…Studies of hornet's colonies conducted right before the abundant leaving of nests by wasps demonstrates large presence of gynes and drones (often few hundred) and only tens of workers. As earlier studies have shown (Nadolski, 2012) the total number of gynes and drones leaving the nest in the autumn is close to the sum of all cells, previously occupied by larvae of reproductive castes. However, the emergence of particular individuals in nest is gradual as is apparent from the analysis of distribution of larvae and pupae in combs (Nadolski, 2012) and it starts still in summer, not only in colonies of Dolichvespula saxonica which development is completed in July as well as in colonies of Vespa crabro which have active colonies in October yet (Fig 1).…”

“…The species, which 'were able to" adapt their biology to urban environment, began their expansion at an unparalleled scale (Skibińska, 1987). The European hornet Vespa crabro and Saxon wasp Dolichovespula saxonica are species which often form colonies in the city and sizes of their nests and their societies are different and depend on the location of their colonies (Nadolski, 2012).…”

“…are mostly established in buildings such as roofs, attics, and within the walls of houses, and their nests are larger and societies are more numerous than those from rural or forested areas (Nadolski, 2012). Subjects concerning the biology of social wasps have been the basis of many studies (Matsura, & Yamane, 1984;Starr & Jacobson, 1990;Leatwick & Godfrey, 1996;Haesler, 1997;Nakamura & Sonthichai, 2004), but only a few are directly related to the phenology of this group of insects in Poland (Pawlikowski et al, 2005;Tryjanowski et al, 2010).…”

Competition between the native and the introduced hornets Vespa crabro and Vespa velutina: a comparison of potentially relevant life‐history traits

“…Social insect colonies represent a preferential target for parasitic and pathogen infections, as they usually consist of large numbers of closely related individuals that frequently interact, favouring the spread of parasites and pathogens among colony members (Cremer et al, 2007). The ability to resist pathogen infections is therefore a crucial trait for the ecological success of a species and to predict its invasive potential (Traniello et al, 2002;Lee & Klasing, 2004;Prenter et al, 2004;Nadolski, 2013). The ability to resist pathogen infections is therefore a crucial trait for the ecological success of a species and to predict its invasive potential (Traniello et al, 2002;Lee & Klasing, 2004;Prenter et al, 2004;Nadolski, 2013).…”

“…Moreover, the constant internal environment maintained within a nest of a social insect species to favour brood development creates optimal conditions for pathogen and parasite growth (Cremer et al, 2007). The ability to resist pathogen infections is therefore a crucial trait for the ecological success of a species and to predict its invasive potential (Traniello et al, 2002;Lee & Klasing, 2004;Prenter et al, 2004;Nadolski, 2013).…”