Phenology and population structure of annual nests of the German wasp Vespula germanica (Fab.) in Manawatu, New Zealand, with particular reference to late summer and autumn

AbstractAnnual nests of the German wasp Vespula germanica were collected in Manawatu between January and May, 1969–1988, and analysed as a single cohort Most nests were from urban locations, and subterranean nests were selected preferentially. The study is a baseline measure of a German wasp population in the absence of common wasps. Given the rapid spread of common wasps this circumstance may never be repeated on mainland New Zealand.Manawatu colonies reach peak numbers between mid and late April. Drones are most numerous in mid April and queens in late April to early May. Nests taken in the same locality on the same day vary demographically; large nests generally hold higher proportions of reproductives than small nests.Manawatu nests are generally larger and have more combs than those in England. The area and number of combs increases steadily from January to May. Complementary seasonal changes in the total area of pupal cells, and of empty cells plus cells with eggs, support the view that colonies ach...

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