Laboratory observations on the social behaviour of Parischnogaster alternata (Vespidae Stenogastrinae)

Abstract

Laboratory observations on colonies of Parischnogaster alternata Sakagami have revealed new aspects of the social behaviour of this species which it was not possible to observe in previous short-term studies conducted in the field.

A dominance-subordinance hierarchy and division of labour were found to exist in both mature colonies and among females on a newly founded nest.

The movements of all individuals of six colonies and a nest founding event were also recorded over the eight month observation period. Females of the species frequently visited other colonies in the same agglomerate, sometimes taking food offerings with them. In some cases, these visits ended with the visiting female joining the colony.

KEY WORDS:

• Stenogastrinae
• dominance hierarchy
• division of labour
• internidal drifting