Behavioural and ecological adaptations to the high mountain environment of Polistes biglumis bimaculatus

Abstract

ABSTRACT.

• 1Polistes biglumis bimaculatus (G. in Furcroy) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), a high mountain species, was studied in the Alps. Adaptations of this species to the severe climate and reduced nesting season include nesting characteristics, social organization and division of labour, and caste succession.
• 2Foundress association occurs only in the late pre-emergence period and is not the same as that seen in low altitude species.
• 3The foundress females continue to forage even in the post-emergence period and workers and reproductive (males and females) emerge almost contemporaneously.