Evidence of nest usurpation of Vespa velutina in the founding stage by V. basalis reveals it as a facultative social parasite (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

By

Lu, Sheng-Shan
Hu, Yi-Hua
Shiao, Ming-Tang
Sung, I-Hsing

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-9-11

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

98

Pages

779--794

Subjects

Hornet , nest usurpation , Social parasitism , social wasp

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.98.162472

 

Abstract

We investigated the usurpation behavior of the hornet Vespa basalis Smith in nests of V. velutina Lepeletier. We collected 47 nests of the two species in Taiwan in their establishment and growth stages. Of these, 29 were mixed-species nests, and in at least 16 V. velutina was replaced by V. basalis. While most nests were initiated by V. velutina, V. basalis coexisted with it during the establishment stage, leading to intense conflict between the two. The multiplex PCR method gave evidence of the usurper’s eggs and larvae in the mixed-species nest. Over time, the number of adults and brood in usurped V. velutina nests decreased, while those of V. basalis increased, demonstrating behavior in V. basalis akin to facultative social parasitism. This study provides further evidence of nest usurpation in the genus Vespa, along with description of complex interactions among these hornets, their natural enemies, prey, and humans in Taiwan.