Nesting behaviour of adventive Isodontia mexicana (Saussure) in Piedmont (Italy North-West) (Hymenoptera Sphecidae)

Abstract

The biology and ethology of the solitary sphecid wasp Isodontia mexicana (Saussure) were ascertained in Piedmont. For the first time in this species and in the whole genus, social interactions between nesting females are reported and briefly illustrated. The most usual behaviours were: nest agrégation, re-use and usurpation.

KEY WORDS:

• Sphecidae
• nest aggregation
• nest usurpation
• nest re-utilisation