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A METHOD OF CAPTURING COLONIES OF AERIAL NESTING VESPID WASPS (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

M. J. Pallett
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1
R. C. Plowright
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1
D. L. Gibo
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Erindale College, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6

Abstract

A method was developed for the transfer of intact medium-sized Dolichovespula arenaria colonies from their original locations, without damage to the nest and with minimal narcosis of the adult wasp population. The method necessitates a substantial manipulation early in the course of colony development, after which the nest is left to develop normally in situ until it is sufficiently populous to permit tranfer to a new location without intolerable loss of adult insects. We describe also a system for housing vespid colonies following relocation, together with a one-way tunnel system which has proved efficient for the purpose of collecting data on foraging activity.

Résumé

Une méthode a été développée pour la transplantation de colonies intactes de taille moyenne de Dolichovespula arenaria, à partir de leur site original, sans endommager le nid ni anesthésier les adultes. La méthode nécessite beaucoup de manipulations tôt dans la phase de développement de la colonie, après quoi le développement du nid peut se poursuivre normalement in situ jusqu'à ce que la population soit suffisamment grande pour la transplantation vers le nouveau site sans qu'il y ait de pertes trop considérables d'adultes. On décrit aussi un système permettant d'abriter les colonies de guêpes vespides suite à leur transplantation, ainsi qu'un système à tunnel unidirectionnel qui s'est montré efficace pour la prise de donnés sur les activités alimentaires.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1983

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