Vespula pensylvanica (western yellowjacket)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Introductions
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Latitude/Altitude Ranges
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Plant Trade
- Impact Summary
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Threatened Species
- Social Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Detection and Inspection
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
- References
- Links to Websites
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure, 1857)
Preferred Common Name
- western yellowjacket
Other Scientific Names
- Paravespula pensylvanica
- Vespa occidentalis Cresson, 1874
- Vespa pennsylvanica Saussure, 1857
- Vespa pensylvanica
- Vespula pennsylvanica Miller 1961
International Common Names
- English: yellowjacket, western
- French: guêpe de l'ouest
EPPO code
- VESUPE (Vespula pensylvanica)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageV. pensylvanica is a social ground-nesting wasp native to western North America (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). This species can be a nuisance even within its native range, with periodic outbreaks associated with warm, dry springs, every 3 to 5 years (Miller, 1961). Colonies establish nests in yards or recreation areas where the danger of colony disturbance resulting in stings is high and particularly acute for those with allergic reactions. Since this species is a generalist predator and scavenger, it is a nuisance at picnics, food dispensing facilities, and around rubbish bins and frequently must be controlled.
In the introduced range in the Hawaiian Islands, V. pensylvanica is considered a threat to native species conservation because it preys on a wide range of native arthropods, including some taxa that are currently considered as Species of Concern by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Gambino and Loope, 1992). These wasps compete with other insects and birds for insect prey and sugar sources, and may even prey on bird nestlings.
The biology of this species is similar to that of the common yellowjacket wasp, Vespula vulgaris, which has been introduced to more areas globally (e.g., New Zealand) and has been nominated as one of the 100 worst global invasive pests by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. V. pensylvanica is more narrowly distributed but has high invasive potential in other insular systems, and is also listed as a species of concern by the ISSG (http://www.issg.org/database).
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Metazoa
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Uniramia
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Vespidae
- Genus: Vespula
- Species: Vespula pensylvanica
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of pageThis species, commonly known as the ‘western yellowjacket’, was originally described as Vespa pennsylvanica by Saussure in 1857. A description by Cresson in 1874 as Vespa occidentalis was later synonymized in 1931, where the second ‘n’ was apparently lost from the name (Bequaert, 1930; Bequaert, 1931). Bequaert also proposed reorganization of generic concepts, which were accepted formally by Miller (1961), and Vespapensylvanica was changed to Vespula pennsylvanica. Subsequent literature refers only to Vespula pensylvanica, which has become the de facto name. Inexplicably, several authors briefly used the term Paravespula pensylvanica (e.g., Gambino et al., 1987) but the origin of this name is obscure.
Description
Top of pageV. pensylvanica is a social ground-nesting wasp native to western North America. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Vespids can be differentiated from other wasps by the following general morphological characteristics: 1) the pronotum (first segment of the thorax) is generally horseshoe-shaped in dorsal view, triangular in lateral view, and reaching the tegulae (‘shield‘, where the wings meet the thorax); 2) the first discoidal cell of the anterior (larger) pair of wings is long, about half the length of the wing; 3) the wings fold longitudinally at rest, and 4) the eyes are notched on the interior margins.
V. pensylvanica are strikingly yellow and black vespid wasps, approximately the size (1-1.5 cm) of a honeybee (Apis mellifera) but smooth and mostly hairless. From Miller (1961), V. pensylvanica is differentiated from other Vespula species by the following structures and color patterns: 1) malar space less than half as long as the penultimate antennal segment; 2) occipital carina complete; 3) apex of seventh tergite depressed, in profile the base very gradually sloping distally; 4) shaft of aedeagus without sharp teeth at base of terminal spoon; 5) eyes are completely ringed with uninterrupted yellow border (See pictures).
V. pensylvanica make large nests of hexagonal paper cells, usually subterranean, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of cells (Duncan, 1939; Bohart and Bechtel, 1957; MacDonald et al., 1974; Ratnieks et al., 1996; Visscher and Vetter, 2003). Nests are often constructed within old rodent burrows or natural fissures. Within most of the natural temperate range, nests decline annually in the winter and must be founded anew each spring by a solo, overwintered, mated queen (Akre et al., 1980). In the invaded range in the Hawaiian Islands, colonies can survive and continue to grow for multiple seasons into enormous polygynous nests with high traffic rates (Gambino, 1991). Gambino and Loope (1992) estimated one multi-year, polygynous nest on Haleakala (Maui) as containing more than half a million cells.
Distribution
Top of pageV. pensylvanica was first reported from Kaua‘i Island in 1919, with sporadic records throughout the 1920s at elevations between 1000-1500 m (Williams, 1927). Williams misidentified this species as Vespa occidentalis, but correctly noted at the time that he species was introduced to Hawai‘i from its native range on the Western coast of North America.It was later reported from O‘ahu in 1936 (Williams, 1937), followed thereafter with numerous reports of localized public nuisance encounters (Nakahara, 1980). However, a cluster of new island records was variously reported from 1978 (Matayoshi, 1981; Miyahara, 1981; Nakahara, 1980; Gambino et al., 1990), possibly as a result of a second introduction of a more aggressive race with shipped Christmas trees. After 1978, populations on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i exploded in density. Thereafter, periodic outbreaks on Maui and Hawai‘i, typically at mid-elevation sites (1000-2500 m) have occurred until the present time (Gambino and Loope, 1992).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 17 Dec 2021Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North America |
|||||||
Canada | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Alberta | Present | Native | |||||
-British Columbia | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-Manitoba | Present, Few occurrences | Native | Scattered occurrence | ||||
-Saskatchewan | Present, Few occurrences | Native | Scattered occurrence | ||||
Mexico | Present | ||||||
United States | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Arizona | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-California | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-Colorado | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-Hawaii | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Minnesota | Present, Few occurrences | ||||||
-Montana | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-Nebraska | Present, Localized | Native | |||||
-Nevada | Present, Few occurrences | Native | |||||
-New Mexico | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-North Dakota | Present, Few occurrences | Native | Scattered occurrence | ||||
-Oregon | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-South Dakota | Present, Few occurrences | Native | Scattered occurrence | ||||
-Utah | Present | Native | |||||
-Washington | Present, Widespread | Native | |||||
-Wisconsin | Present, Few occurrences | ||||||
-Wyoming | Present, Widespread | Native |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageV. pensylvanica was first reported from Kaua‘i Island in 1919, with sporadic records throughout the 1920s at elevations between 1000-1500 m (Williams, 1927). Williams misidentified this species as Vespa occidentalis, but correctly noted at the time that the species was introduced to Hawai‘i from its native range on the Western coast of North America. It was later reported from O‘ahu in 1936 (Williams, 1937), followed thereafter with numerous reports of localized public nuisance encounters (Nakahara, 1980). However, a cluster of new island records was variously reported from 1978 (Matayoshi, 1981; Miyahara, 1981; Nakahara,1980; Gambino et al., 1990), possibly as a result of a second introduction of a more aggressive race with shipped Christmas trees. After 1978, populations on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i exploded in densities. Thereafter, periodic outbreaks on Maui and Hawai‘i, typically at mid-elevation sites (1000-2500 m) have occurred until the present time (Gambino and Loope, 1992). The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture has intercepted this species periodically over the last 30 years (B Kumashiro, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, USA, personal communication, 2008).
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
Hawaii | USA | 1919 | Forestry (pathway cause); Hitchhiker (pathway cause); Landscape improvement (pathway cause); Timber trade (pathway cause) | Yes | No | Williams (1927) | To Kauai, Probably on live Christmas trees | |
Hawaii | USA | 1936 | Hitchhiker (pathway cause) | Yes | No | Gambino and Loope (1992) | To Oahu, introduced from western USA or Kauai | |
Hawaii | USA | 1978 | Forestry (pathway cause); Hitchhiker (pathway cause); Landscape improvement (pathway cause); Timber trade (pathway cause) | Yes | No | Gambino and Loope (1992) | To Maui, Hawaii, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe probably on live Christmas trees |
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageThe risk of intentional introduction of V. pensylvanica is small, but periodic accidental introductions have been reported, most frequently on Christmas trees shipped to the Hawaiian Islands from the western United States. Single queens that overwinter in the foliage can found new colonies in their non-native range.
Habitat
Top of pageV. pensylvanica is naturally widespread in the western states of the United States, with extensions into southern British Columbia and Alberta, and scattered occurrences in the mountains of northwestern Mexico. Within this temperate range, the wasps are widely distributed and occur well into the mountains above 2000m. They are abundant in areas with warm, dry summers, and may be susceptible to soil borne molds and pathogens in areas with more rainfall or in wet years. Akre et al. (1980) noted that outbreaks can occur after mild, dry springs within the native range. In the Hawaiian Islands, large wasp populations are restricted to forested and semi-forested areas above 1000 m, and can occur as high as 3000 m (Gambino and Loope, 1992). Most nests are subterranean, in old rodent burrows or in natural crevices within tree trunks or in the ground (Duncan, 1939; Bohart and Bechtel, 1957; MacDonald et al., 1974; Akre et al., 1980). The species does not typically nest in structures.
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | Managed | Cultivated / agricultural land | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Managed forests, plantations and orchards | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Managed grasslands (grazing systems) | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Buildings | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Principal habitat | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Principal habitat | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Land caves | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Land caves | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageReproductive Biology
Physiology and Phenology
Nutrition
Associations
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | Tolerated | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Tolerated | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year | |
Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Tolerated | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
Top of pageLatitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude Lower (m) | Altitude Upper (m) |
---|---|---|---|
15-50 | 0 | 0 |
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agamomermis pachysoma | Parasite | |||||
Aspergillus flavus | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Aspergillus niger | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Bacillus cereus | Pathogen | |||||
Bacillus thuringiensis | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Beauveria bassiana | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora | Parasite | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Linepithema humile | Predator | |||||
Metarhizium | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Paecilomyces farinosus | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Serratia marcescens | Pathogen | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Sphecophaga vesparum | Parasite | Arthropods|Pupae | to genus | |||
Steinernema carpocapsae | Parasite | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Steinernema feltiae | Parasite | Arthropods|Larvae | not specific | |||
Triphleba lugubris | Parasite | Arthropods|Larvae | ||||
Xenorhabdus nematophilus | Pathogen |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of page
There are few known natural enemies of these wasps, and their population biology is thought to be regulated directly by abiotic seasonality (cold, wet winters) and associated declines in the availability of their arthropod resources (Akre and Reed, 1981; Archer, 1985). MacDonald et al. (1975) described five common next associates from excavations of more than 60 nests. Three of these taxa appeared to be commensalists, or non-damaging to the wasps (Dendrophania querceti [Diptera: Muscidae]; Fannia spp. [Diptera: Muscidae]; and Cryptophagus pilosus [Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae]), whereas two species appeared to impact the nests negatively (Sphecophaga vesparum [Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae]; and Triphleba lugubris [Diptera: Phoridae]). Sphecophaga vesparum is a pupal parasitoid that has been introduced with limited success in New Zealand as a biological control agent for Vespula germanica (Donovan et al., 1989; Beggs et al., 2002; Beggs et al., 2008). One strain failed to establish at all, and the other strain gradually declined over one decade with little discernible effect on colony size or reproductive capacity (Beggs et al., 2008).
Rose et al. (1999) described records of at least 50 fungal, 12 bacterial, 5-7 nematode, 4 protozoan, and 2 viral species associated with Vespa, Vespula, and Dolichovespula species and their associated nest materials. Although most species have unknown pathogenicity, fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, Metarhizium, and Beauveria, the bacteria Serratia marcescens and Bacillus thuringiensis, and the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae, and Steinernema carpocapsae were all confirmed pathogenic to vespids through bioassay. The ecological movements of these species are restricted, so it is unknown if these agents could be used to control vespids beyond local, inundative releases at nest sites.
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageNatural Dispersal (Non-Biotic)
Vector Transmission (Biotic)
Accidental Introduction
Invasive populations established in Hawaii almost certainly came through the transport of live Christmas trees from the western coast of North America (Nakahara, 1980; Gambino and Loope, 1992). Overwintering queens take refuge in the foliage of trees or in shipping containers, and a single fertile queen can found a new population.
Intentional Introduction
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Forestry | Christmas tree trade | Yes | Yes | |
Hitchhiker | Christmas tree trade | Yes | Yes | |
Landscape improvement | Christmas tree trade | Yes | Yes | |
Nursery trade | Christmas tree trade | Yes | Yes | |
Timber trade | Christmas tree trade | Yes | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plants or parts of plants | Christmas trees | Yes | Yes |
Plant Trade
Top of pagePlant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Pest stages | Borne internally | Borne externally | Visibility of pest or symptoms |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flowers/Inflorescences/Cones/Calyx | arthropods/adults | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye | |
Leaves | arthropods/adults | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye | |
Stems (above ground)/Shoots/Trunks/Branches | arthropods/adults | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye |
Impact Summary
Top of pageCategory | Impact |
---|---|
Cultural/amenity | Negative |
Economic/livelihood | Negative |
Environment (generally) | Negative |
Human health | Negative |
Economic Impact
Top of pageQuantitative monetary economic impacts posed by this species, either in its native or invaded range, are not known. In outbreak years, V. pensylvanica can cause medical problems from minor stings to severe life-threatening impacts if an individual is stung many times or is allergic to wasp venom and at risk for anaphylaxis.
Environmental Impact
Top of pageImpact on Habitats
Research on the ecosystem effects of V. pensylvanica, in both native and introduced ranges, is limited. In the Hawaiian Islands, the wasp has invaded several National Parks (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park) and many other preserved areas (e.g., Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge). Effects tend to be most pronounced at higher elevations on these islands (above 1000 m) which more closely match the temperature ranges in native habitats, primarily in the mountains of western North America.
Impact on Biodiversity
Effects on native arthropods are pronounced in the invaded range in the Hawaiian Islands (Gambino et al., 1987; Gambino, 1992; Gambino and Loope, 1992). Gambino and Loope (1992) describe survey results from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i Island) and Haleakala National Park (Maui). They identified 24 arthropod prey items, of which 14 (58%) were endemic taxa (including taxa currently considered ‘Species of Concern’ by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Using custom traps, Gambino (1992) recovered additional evidence that V. pensylvanica preys widely on native and introduced arthropod species in invaded forests. Although no studies have quantified their impacts on birds, in outbreak years these wasps have potential both to compete with native birds for common food items and to prey directly upon nestlings, which has been observed with other Vespula species (Moller, 1990).
Threatened Species
Top of pageSocial Impact
Top of pageThe venom is haemolytic, haemorrhagic and neurotoxic. Histamine is also present which causes the redness, flare and weal in skin. A small percentage of the populace (approximately 1%) will have an elevated allergic response to stings. Stings may be life-threatening (anaphylactic shock) to these individuals. During outbreak years, pestiferous levels of V. pensylvanica can disrupt many outdoor recreational activities and cause human health problems.
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Invasive in its native range
- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Has a broad native range
- Abundant in its native range
- Highly adaptable to different environments
- Is a habitat generalist
- Tolerant of shade
- Capable of securing and ingesting a wide range of food
- Highly mobile locally
- Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
- Fast growing
- Has high reproductive potential
- Gregarious
- Altered trophic level
- Conflict
- Negatively impacts cultural/traditional practices
- Negatively impacts forestry
- Negatively impacts human health
- Negatively impacts tourism
- Reduced native biodiversity
- Threat to/ loss of endangered species
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Causes allergic responses
- Competition - monopolizing resources
- Predation
- Rapid growth
- Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
- Difficult to identify/detect as a commodity contaminant
- Difficult to identify/detect in the field
- Difficult/costly to control
Uses
Top of pageThere are no known positive, productive uses of V. pensylvanica in its non-native range. In its native range, it is one part of the ecosystem, and its ‘value’ is difficult to assess objectively. Authors have attributed positive pest control functions to this species in its native range.
Detection and Inspection
Top of pageDifferent species of yellowjackets can be distinguished using keys in Jacobson et al. (1978), Akre et al. (1980) or Miller (1961). Queens are the only propagules that can found new populations. However, any transport or introduction of yellowjackets, regardless of species or caste, is not advisable. Observation of any species in shipping materials is a cause for concern and possible quarantine.
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageV. pensylvanica are strikingly yellow and black wasps, approximately the size (1-1.5 cm) of a honeybee (Apis mellifera) but smooth and with sparse hairy patches. Vespid paper wasps (e.g., genus Polistes) can also be yellow and black, but are more slender, with long legs that dangle below the body in flight. Behaviourally, V. pensylvanica can adhere in flight to people or sources of food with persistent, hovering flight, and are very aggressive defenders of underground nests when disturbed by vibrations or activity near entrances. Individuals can sting many times, unlike honeybees. There are many species of Vespula (Miller, 1961) but two other species have been widely introduced and are listed as noxious invasive species: Vespula germanica (Fabricius) and Vespula vulgaris (Fabricius). All three are grouped within the Vespula vulgaris group of yellowjackets with large colonies in subterranean nests (Jacobson et al., 1978). V. pensylvanica is the only species of these three with a complete, uninterrupted yellow ring around each eye (Miller, 1961; Jacobson et al., 1978). There are also a number of flies (e.g. Syrrphidae) that ‘mimic’ the colouration patterns and morphological features of bees and wasps, but these will only have two wings (not four) and will lack the mandibulate mouthparts of bees and wasps.
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Prevention
Public awareness
Eradication
Containment/Zoning
Control
Cultural control and sanitary measures
Physical/mechanical control
Biological control
Chemical control
If nests are abundant and widely dispersed, toxic baits may be necessary to achieve wider control. Generally, toxins are mixed at low concentrations with protein baits, such as ground chicken or beef (Grant et al., 1968; Chang, 1988; Spurr, 1991; Spurr, 1995; Sackmann and Corley, 2007). Baits should not be so toxic that individual foragers are killed before they return to the nest, but instead the foragers should be able to make multiple sorties to feed larvae and queens with lethal doses. Various toxins (e.g., micro-encapsulated diazinon, fipronyl, hydramethylnon, permethrin, chlorpyrifos, fenoxycarb) in various media (e.g., chicken, sardine cat food, fresh and freeze-dried beef, corn syrup, honey) have been tested with variable success. Protein baits are generally the most effective for these scavenging predators (Chang, 1988; Spurrr, 1995; Sackmann and Corley, 2007). Where effective, these baits can suppress population densities or even destroy nests over areas as large as the typical foraging distance of workers (1000+ m). In addition to factors involved in bait formulation, variation in success of toxic baits may be attributable to seasonality, local weather conditions, and overall availability of prey. Non-target impacts should also be monitored, as in some cases native arthropods recruit to baits and are killed by the toxins (D Foote, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawaii, USA, personal communication, 2008).
Over the counter insecticidal sprays are not effective for destroying colonies, but may be used with discretion to destroy isolated individuals.
Monitoring and Surveillance
Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
Top of pageNo information was available to the author on the potential dispersal distance for queens, which are the essential unit for the establishment of new colonies. While foragers may range up to 1800 m from their nest in a foraging bout, it is unknown how far from a source queens may travel to found new nests. This information is important to establish a radius around incipient populations if rapid containment or eradication is to be attempted. Moreover, the data on ecosystem and biodiversity impacts are limited. It is well known that these wasps prey on native arthropods in the Hawaiian Islands, but wider effects are unknown. Moreover, further research is needed to refine methods for control and to avoid non-target effects on native arthropods. Genetic data are also lacking.
References
Top of pageIkeda JK, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 33:336
Matayoshi S, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 33:337
Miller CDF, 1961. Taxonomy and distribution of nearctic Vespula. Canadian Entomologist, 22:1-52
Miyahara N, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 33:318
Moller H, 1990. Wasps kill nestling birds. Notornis, 37:76-77
Distribution References
CABI, Undated. CABI Compendium: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Ikeda J K, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 336.
Matayoshi S, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 337.
Miller C D F, 1961. Taxonomy and distribution of nearctic Vespula. Canadian Entomologist. 1-52.
Miyahara N, 1981. Vespula pensylvanica. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. 318.
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
CalPhotos | http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/ | |
David Holway's research site | http://invasivespecies.ucsd.edu/ | |
Discover Life | http://pick4.pick.uga.edu/ | |
Global Invasive Species Database | http://www.issg.org/database/species | The GISD aims to increase awareness about invasive alien species and to facilitate effective prevention and management. It is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the Species Surviva |
Landcare Research | http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/ | |
University of California, Riverside, Wasps Website | http://wasps.ucr.edu/ |
Contributors
Top of page14/03/08 Original text by:
Daniel Gruner, University of Maryland, Dept of Entomology, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742-4454, USA
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