Availability of suitable nest sites as a determinant of the density of nests of Vespula vulgaris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Vespinae)

Abstract

A density of nests of the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris (L.) equivalent to 137 per ha was found in disced sheep pasture in North Canterbury, New Zealand, compared to no nests in adjacent unmodified pasture. This suggests that given an adequate number of nest-site founding queens in spring, and benign weather, the primary determinant of the number of wasp nests in an area is the number of suitable nest sites.

Keywords:

• Wasp nests
• density
• suitable nest sites