Foundation Pattern, Productivity and Colony Success of the Paper Wasp, Polistes versicolor

Polistes versicolor (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) colonies are easily found in anthropic environments; however there is little information available on biological, ecological and behavioral interactions of this species under these environmental conditions. The objective of this work was to characterize the foundation pattern, the productivity, and the success of colonies of P. versicolor in anthropic environments. From August 2003 to December 2004, several colonies were studied in the municipal district of Juiz de Fora, Southeastern Brazil. It was possible to determine that before the beginning of nest construction the foundress accomplishes recognition flights in the selected area, and later begins the construction of the peduncle and the first cell. As soon as new cells are built, the hexagonal outlines appear and the peduncle is reinforced. Foundation of nests on gypsum plaster was significantly larger (p < 0.0001; χ2 test) in relation to the other types of substrate, revealing the synantropism of the species. On average, the P. versicolor nest presents 244.2 ± 89.5 (100–493) cells and a medium production of 171.67 ± 109.94 (37–660) adults. Cells that produced six individuals were verified. Usually, new colonies were founded by an association of females, responsible for the success of 51.5%. Although these results enlarge knowledge on the foundation pattern of P. versicolor in anthropic environments, other aspects of the foundation process require further investigation

Antennation and sexual performance of male digger wasps Sphex ingens Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Souza, C.A.S., Prezoto, F., Lima, M.S.C.S., Pederassi, J. (2016): Antennation and sexual performance of male digger wasps Sphex ingens Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). Journal of Natural History 50: 2647-2655, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2016.1210687, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2016.121068

The ant fauna of hospitals: advancements in public health and research priorities in Brazil

AbstractAnts inhabit several types of natural and urban habitats, where they successfully nest. In urban environments, the hospitals should be considered priority for studies, as ants pose risks to human health due to their pathogen carrying potential. We aimed at surveying the literature about studies on ants in hospital settings in Brazil in the past 20 years. We found 40 papers in 22 journals, the first one published in 1993. Among them, 26 papers assessed pathogenic microorganisms on ants. We recorded 59 ant species, being Tapinoma melanocephalum the most common. The Minas Gerais and São Paulo states had the largest number of published papers. Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul showed the highest number of species. Exotic ant species were recorded in all states, except Goiás. Considering the potential to carry microorganisms and the importance of thorough studies on the ecology of ant species, our results can support and guide further research in Brazil

Figure 1 in Antennation and sexual performance of male digger wasps Sphex ingens Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Figure 1. Variation in the number of antennal touches in relation to courtship duration in male Sphex ingens (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae): (a) males that had successful copulations (r = 0.867; t = 15.983; df = n–2; p <0.001), (b) males that had unsuccessful copulations (r = 0.882; t = 16.567; df = n–2; p <0.001).Published as part of Souza, C.A.S., Prezoto, F., Lima, M.S.C.S. & Pederassi, J., 2016, Antennation and sexual performance of male digger wasps Sphex ingens Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), pp. 2647-2655 in Journal of Natural History 50 on page 2650, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2016.1210687, http://zenodo.org/record/399458