Polistes gallicus

Polistes gallicus

Polistes gallicus (synonyms: P. foederata and P. omissa ) is a wrinkle wasp from the family of wasps ( Vespidae ).

After the former scientific name of the Gallic wasp, Polistes gallicus, was changed to P. dominula, one designated by the presently described species of P. foederata in P. gallicus. Thus, the name P. gallicus is also no longer listed as a synonym of Gallic wasp. Meanwhile, the species status of P. omissa was deleted, that name today is a synonym of the type described here

Features

The wasp looks very similar to the Gallic wasp. On the abdomen ( tummy) has a highly variable, yellow - black pattern. On the second abdominal segment ( Abdominaltergit ) two conspicuous yellow spots are seen during the following tergites with yellow stripes.

Occurrence

The animal is only found in warmer regions of southern Europe, such as in the Mediterranean region.

Nutrition

They feed on prey on other insects and spiders, but also from flower nectar.

Nesting and reproductive

Usually the nest of Polistes gallicus is usually set up by several jointly in the spring of a young queen or. As buildings wood putty is needed, which is mixed from wood dried-up plant stems and the secretion of the salivary glands. The small, loose coat ( open to the outside combs) nest is built on a nest handle ( good as a bottleneck defenses ).

Shortly after oviposition eats the most powerful Queen of the brood competitors until they give up the oviposition and operate only as workers. If the strongest females die, followed by the second strongest in their position. The workers feed the larvae and queen with their insects (mostly flies) and spiders, which they chew and only pass in spherical form.

Diseases and Parasites

Polistes gallicus can be infested by parasitoid Fächerflüglern the type Xenos vesparum.