Observations of neotropical social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) preying on eggs and tadpoles of the frog Engystomops pustulosus (Amphibia, Leptodactylidae)

By

Starr, Christopher K., 1949-
Bhukal, Rakesh
Ballah, Shane T.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

78

Pages

91--96

Subjects

Angiopolybia pallens , Engystomops pustulosus , Polybia rejecta , predation , túngara frog

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.78.54409

 

Abstract

In Trinidad, West Indies the social wasps Angiopolybia pallens and Polybia rejecta come to foam nests of the frog Engystomops pustulosus, where they prey on eggs and tadpoles. Frog offspring in early-stage foam nests appear to be almost immune to predation by the wasps, but they become more vulnerable as the nests age and lose definition.