Prevalence of the parasite Strepsiptera in Polistes as detected by dissection of immatures

摘要: Summary. Though the paper wasp genus, Polistes, is well studied, we know little of incidence parasitism in this group. Here present details 45 nest dissections for 4 species: P. dominulus (Christ), g allicus (L.), stabilinus Richards and carnifex (F.) to detail levels colony members by obligate parasitic group insects, Strepsiptera. All species showed evidence among immature members. For 3 species, more than 50% inspected nests were parasitized brood (larvae pupae) was very high did not differ significantly between nests. One stabilinus, suffered low parasitism, which may be related its habitat choice. The number parasites per host positively proportion infected (parasite prevalence) some cases reached phenomenally levels, casts doubt on previously assumed mechanisms infection nest-making Hymenoptera, i.e. phoresy. We also document egg encapsulation Polistes Our data show that greatly varied areas. Finally, recent debate competitive advantage introduced range, USA, has credited an absence strepsipteran facilitating spread. first time, nature P range would appear corroborate previous claims. place our work context other studies social insects posit genus have much offer field.