A new species of social wasp from Madagascar with an inverted nest architecture (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

By

Polašek, Ozren
De Beer, Len

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

96

Pages

1031--1044

Subjects

nest , new species , Protected areas , social wasp , Vespidae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.96.103379

 

Abstract

Ropalidia jemmaesp. nov. is described from the protected Ankafobe evergreen forest in central Madagascar. This species is characterized by a variable black and green body colour pattern and a unique nest architecture within the genus Ropalidia. The nests of this species have an inverted cell opening orientation that exposes the cell bottoms outwardly, mimics the tree bark, and provides excellent visual nest concealment.