Polyethism in an Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis) Colony

Abstract

The present study describes the daily activities of the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) workers older than 48 hours as observed in an Artificial Breeding Box (ABB) in our laboratory at the peak of the active season. These workers were picked randomly from a population of a single nest that was enabled to free egress into the field. The study points to the existence of polyethism in the nest of V. orientalis with the adult worker hornets, separating them into three groups in accordance with the frequency and nature of their exits from the nest, and the tasks which they perform. This polyethism was not age-dependent. Recordings were made of the following vespine activities: the frequency of exits to the field during various hours of the day and the various roles undertaken by the hornets. Also investigated was the assignment of tasks among the hornets and the preference given to some tasks over others. The general organization of traffic and other movements in the colony is discussed.

Spatial distribution of Vespa velutina individuals hunting at domestic honeybee hives: heterogeneity at a local scale

“…There is no clear-cut pattern of age-related division of labor in Vespa spp. (Matsuura, 1984;Jeanne, 1991;Volynchik et al, 2009). Recent research showed that nest defense is mostly ensured by the oldest individuals of the colony (Monceau et al, 2013c) but the distribution of each ageclasses and their relation to the different tasks is not known to date.…”

Vespa orientalis, a new alien species in Romania

“…In the spring, they will build a nest, in the soil or hollow walls, or other cavities in buildings or rocky substrate. The queen's nests, named embryonic nests, consist in one small comb, with 10-20 cells covered with a spheric two-or three-layered envelope (Archer 1998;Volynchik et al 2009;Wenzel 2020). All is made by woody paste, chewed by the queen.…”