ISSN:
1420-9098
Keywords:
Key words:Vespula pensylvanica, western yellowjacket, polygyny, Vespidae.
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary: Excavations of 4 nests of the western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in southern California revealed situations that deviated from the typical annual, single-queen life history of yellowjacket colonies. Three nests that were collected well after colony decline (in December through February) consisted of more queens than workers. An additional nest excavated in April (a time when nests are typically being initiated by single foundress queens) revealed a large polygynous nest that was rearing workers, males, and queens, was very active, and was entering its 3rd year. These life history traits show a plasticity of behavior expressed in the warmer regions of the range of V. pensylvanica and may be more common than previously recorded.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s000400050057
