Habit, Habitat, Description, Habit, Habitat, Description, Biology and Distribution of Biology and Distribution of

Hymenoptera InsectsHymenoptera Insects

Dinesh DalvaniyaDinesh Dalvaniya

Dept: Agricultural Dept: Agricultural EntomologyEntomology

Mob No:09574031169Mob No:09574031169

Email Id: Email Id: dineshdalvaniya@ymaildineshdalvaniya@ymail.com.com

Habit & Habit & Habitat:Habitat:

colony, most of the 60,000 bees are female led by a single queen. Physically larger than the other bees, the queen lays up to 1,500 eggs in one day and as many as one million eggs in her relatively short life span of one to five years. She can defend herself, but otherwise is reliant on the colony to house, feed, and clean her and her brood . Worker bees make up the largest population in the colony, and their moniker is well-earned. All females, these busy bees build and maintain the nest, construct the hexagonal cells of the comb by secreting wax from glands in their abdomens, care for the brood laid by the queen, defend the colony, and are responsible for venturing from the nest to gather pollen, nectar, and water. Drones, the only male honey bees, are unable to defend or feed themselves and exist only to mate with the queen and die. 

Honey Bee (Apis Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)mellifera)

The honey bee, The honey bee, Apis melliferaApis mellifera, is one of several species of , is one of several species of bees that produce honey. Honey bees live in colonies, or bees that produce honey. Honey bees live in colonies, or hives, of 50,000 bees on average. A honey bee colony hives, of 50,000 bees on average. A honey bee colony consists of a consists of a queen, drones, and workersqueen, drones, and workers. All play roles in . All play roles in the survival of the community.the survival of the community.

Classification:Classification:Kingdom – AnimalKingdom – Animal

Phylum – ArthropodaPhylum – ArthropodaClass - Class - InsectaInsecta

Order – Order – HymenopteraHymenopteraFamily – ApidaeFamily – ApidaeGenus – Genus – ApisApis  

Species – Species – melliferamellifera

► Habitat:Habitat:► Honey bees require an ample supply of flowers in their Honey bees require an ample supply of flowers in their

habitat, since this is their food source. They also need habitat, since this is their food source. They also need suitable places to build hives. In cooler temperate suitable places to build hives. In cooler temperate climates, the hive site must be large enough for the bees climates, the hive site must be large enough for the bees and for storage of honey to feed on during the winter and for storage of honey to feed on during the winter Researchers believe that the original habitats of the Researchers believe that the original habitats of the honey bee are tropical climates and heavily forested honey bee are tropical climates and heavily forested areas. Honey bees can thrive in natural or domesticated areas. Honey bees can thrive in natural or domesticated environments, though they prefer to live in gardens, environments, though they prefer to live in gardens, woodlands, orchards, meadows and other areas where woodlands, orchards, meadows and other areas where flowering plants are abundant. Within their natural flowering plants are abundant. Within their natural habitat, honey bees build nests inside tree cavities and habitat, honey bees build nests inside tree cavities and under edges if objects to hide themselves from under edges if objects to hide themselves from predators.predators.

► Many people believe that honey bees originated in Many people believe that honey bees originated in Africa and spread to Northern Europe, Eastern India, Africa and spread to Northern Europe, Eastern India, China and the Americas. However, because honey bees China and the Americas. However, because honey bees have been domesticated to produce honey for human have been domesticated to produce honey for human consumption, they are now found all over the world in consumption, they are now found all over the world in different habitats.different habitats.

► Honey bees in temperate climates, such as European Honey bees in temperate climates, such as European honey bees, store larger amounts of honey than other honey bees, store larger amounts of honey than other subspecies, as they need to maintain a certain subspecies, as they need to maintain a certain temperature inside the nest to survive during winter. temperature inside the nest to survive during winter. Bees living in these climates adapt well to their Bees living in these climates adapt well to their environment only when workers have created a large environment only when workers have created a large nest with well-insulated interiors. To collect enough nest with well-insulated interiors. To collect enough honey for the next winter, foragers swarm early in the honey for the next winter, foragers swarm early in the spring.spring.

► Because honey bees in tropical habitats, such as African honey Because honey bees in tropical habitats, such as African honey bees, do not experience long weeks of cold weather, they do not bees, do not experience long weeks of cold weather, they do not need to build large and well-insulated nests, produce thousands need to build large and well-insulated nests, produce thousands of workers or store large amounts of honey. For a honey bee in a of workers or store large amounts of honey. For a honey bee in a tropical habitat, swarming depends largely on the abundance of tropical habitat, swarming depends largely on the abundance of food sources, rather than seasonal factors. However, regardless food sources, rather than seasonal factors. However, regardless of living in tropical or temperate climates, honey bees maintain of living in tropical or temperate climates, honey bees maintain their hives with a constant temperature of 90 to 95 degrees their hives with a constant temperature of 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.Fahrenheit.

► During winter, honey bees consume honey and use their During winter, honey bees consume honey and use their metabolic heat to provide warmth to all individuals of a colony. metabolic heat to provide warmth to all individuals of a colony. On the contrary, honey bees use the liquid from stored nectar as On the contrary, honey bees use the liquid from stored nectar as an evaporative coolant during warmer seasons. These methods an evaporative coolant during warmer seasons. These methods ensure that seasonal changes do not affect their interior habitatsensure that seasonal changes do not affect their interior habitats ..

Description:Description:► As many as 29 subspecies of As many as 29 subspecies of Apis melliferaApis mellifera exist. The  exist. The

Italian honey bee, Italian honey bee, Apis mellifera ligusticaApis mellifera ligustica, is most often , is most often kept by beekeepers in the western hemisphere. Italian kept by beekeepers in the western hemisphere. Italian honey bees are described as light or golden in color. honey bees are described as light or golden in color. Their abdomens are striped yellow and brown. Hairy Their abdomens are striped yellow and brown. Hairy heads make their large compound eyes appear ringed heads make their large compound eyes appear ringed with hair. The honey bee is about 12 mm (1/2 inch) long with hair. The honey bee is about 12 mm (1/2 inch) long and usually yellow, with 3 or 5 dark brown abdominal and usually yellow, with 3 or 5 dark brown abdominal bands. They carry two pairs of wings and lack the bands. They carry two pairs of wings and lack the constricted abdomen (wasp waist) of the wasp and constricted abdomen (wasp waist) of the wasp and hornet. Honey bees can sting, but are much less hornet. Honey bees can sting, but are much less aggressive than wasps and hornets. Honey bees are aggressive than wasps and hornets. Honey bees are somewhat variable in color but are some shade of somewhat variable in color but are some shade of black, brown or brown intermixed with yellowblack, brown or brown intermixed with yellow..

► They have dense hairs on the pronotum and sparser hair on the They have dense hairs on the pronotum and sparser hair on the abdomen. Microscopically, at least some of the body hairs of abdomen. Microscopically, at least some of the body hairs of bees (Apoidea) are branched (pumose). The abdomen often bees (Apoidea) are branched (pumose). The abdomen often appears banded. Larvae are legless grubs, white in color.appears banded. Larvae are legless grubs, white in color.

► Honey bees are the only bee in the genus Honey bees are the only bee in the genus ApisApis in Texas. Honey  in Texas. Honey bees have several varieties or races and have been bred for honey bees have several varieties or races and have been bred for honey production, temperament and resistance to disease. These production, temperament and resistance to disease. These varieties may be recognized to some extent by color and size. varieties may be recognized to some extent by color and size. However, cross breeding may take place in the wild, so queens However, cross breeding may take place in the wild, so queens from commercial breeders should always be purchased to re-from commercial breeders should always be purchased to re-queen colonies. Africanized honey bees or "killer bees" can not queen colonies. Africanized honey bees or "killer bees" can not easily be differentiated from commercial varieties and require easily be differentiated from commercial varieties and require measuring several bees from a colony and comparing measuring several bees from a colony and comparing measurements. There are several other bees including measurements. There are several other bees including bumblebees and leaf cutting bees that also collect pollen and bumblebees and leaf cutting bees that also collect pollen and nectar. There is a species of stingless wasp that occurs in South nectar. There is a species of stingless wasp that occurs in South Texas that produces honey much like bees.Texas that produces honey much like bees.

BiologyBiology► Honey bees undergo complete metamorphosis:Honey bees undergo complete metamorphosis:► Egg – The queen bee lays the eggs. She is mother to all or nearly Egg – The queen bee lays the eggs. She is mother to all or nearly

all members of the colony.all members of the colony.Larva – The worker bees care for the larvae, feeding and Larva – The worker bees care for the larvae, feeding and cleaning them.cleaning them.Pupa – After molting several times, the larvae will cocoon inside Pupa – After molting several times, the larvae will cocoon inside the cells of the hive.the cells of the hive.Adult – Male adults are always drones; females may be workers Adult – Male adults are always drones; females may be workers or queens. For the first 3 to 10 days of their adult lives, all or queens. For the first 3 to 10 days of their adult lives, all females are nurses that care for the young.females are nurses that care for the young.

Stages of development of the dronepupae.

► Each egg is laid in one of the hexagonal wax cells and hatches Each egg is laid in one of the hexagonal wax cells and hatches into a tiny, white, legless larva. The larva feeds on substances into a tiny, white, legless larva. The larva feeds on substances deposited in the cell by the workers; it grows, pupates in the cell, deposited in the cell by the workers; it grows, pupates in the cell, hatches as an adult bee and finally emerges from the cell into the hatches as an adult bee and finally emerges from the cell into the hive. The eggs hatch after three to four days and by nine days are hive. The eggs hatch after three to four days and by nine days are fully grown and ready to pupate. The workers put a capping over fully grown and ready to pupate. The workers put a capping over the cells at this time. Ten or eleven days later the capping is the cells at this time. Ten or eleven days later the capping is bitten away and the adult emerges. The times given above vary bitten away and the adult emerges. The times given above vary with changes of temperature and according to whether the bee is with changes of temperature and according to whether the bee is becoming a drone, worker or queen.becoming a drone, worker or queen.

► Drones.Drones. The drones, who live for about four to five weeks and  The drones, who live for about four to five weeks and do not work inside the hive, are fed by the workers or help do not work inside the hive, are fed by the workers or help themselves from the store of pollen and nectar in the combs. themselves from the store of pollen and nectar in the combs. Their function is to fertilize a new queen. In the autumn, or when Their function is to fertilize a new queen. In the autumn, or when conditions are poor, they are turned out of the hive where, unable conditions are poor, they are turned out of the hive where, unable to find food for themselves, they soon die.to find food for themselves, they soon die.

► Workers. The workers are female bees whose reproductive Workers. The workers are female bees whose reproductive organs do not function. Among many other tasks they collect organs do not function. Among many other tasks they collect food from outside the hive and store it, make the wax cells food from outside the hive and store it, make the wax cells and feed the developing larvae.and feed the developing larvae.

► Colony lifeColony life► Unlike a Unlike a bumble beebumble bee colony or a  colony or a paper wasppaper wasp colony, the life of a  colony, the life of a 

honey beehoney bee colony is colony isperennialperennial. There are three castes of honey . There are three castes of honey bees: bees: queensqueens, which produce eggs; , which produce eggs; dronesdronesor males, which mate or males, which mate with new queens and have no stinger; and with new queens and have no stinger; and workersworkers, which are all , which are all non-reproducing females. The queen lays eggs singly in cells of non-reproducing females. The queen lays eggs singly in cells of the the combcomb. . LarvaeLarvaehatch from eggs in three to four days. They are hatch from eggs in three to four days. They are then fed by worker bees and develop through several stages in then fed by worker bees and develop through several stages in the cells. Cells are capped by worker bees when the larvathe cells. Cells are capped by worker bees when the larvapupatespupates. . Queens and drones are larger than workers and so require larger Queens and drones are larger than workers and so require larger cells to develop. A colony may typically consist of tens of cells to develop. A colony may typically consist of tens of thousands of individuals.thousands of individuals.

► While some colonies live in hives provided by humans, While some colonies live in hives provided by humans, so-called "wild" colonies (although all honey bees so-called "wild" colonies (although all honey bees remain wild, even when cultivated and managed by remain wild, even when cultivated and managed by humans) typically prefer a nest site that is clean, dry, humans) typically prefer a nest site that is clean, dry, protected from the weather, about 20 liters in volume protected from the weather, about 20 liters in volume with a 4 to 6 cm² entrance about 3 m above the ground, with a 4 to 6 cm² entrance about 3 m above the ground, and preferably facing south or south-east (in the and preferably facing south or south-east (in the northern hemisphere) or north or north-east (in the northern hemisphere) or north or north-east (in the southern hemisphere).southern hemisphere).

Honey bee swarm pitched on a high limb

►A typical small hive contains perhaps A typical small hive contains perhaps 20,000 bees and these are divided into 20,000 bees and these are divided into three types: Queen, Drone, and Worker. three types: Queen, Drone, and Worker. The chart below compares these types:The chart below compares these types:

Distribution of honey beesDistribution of honey bees Bees and flowering plants have evolved during a period of 130 million years Bees and flowering plants have evolved during a period of 130 million years

to become increasingly dependent upon one another.  Today there are 20,000-to become increasingly dependent upon one another.  Today there are 20,000-30,000 species of bees of which around 16,000 have been scientifically 30,000 species of bees of which around 16,000 have been scientifically described.  Ancestors of honey bees emerged 40 million years ago, with a described.  Ancestors of honey bees emerged 40 million years ago, with a modern type of open nesting species appearing in south east Asia around 10 modern type of open nesting species appearing in south east Asia around 10 million years ago.  Subsequently species that nested inside cavities appeared, million years ago.  Subsequently species that nested inside cavities appeared, eventually spreading throughout tropical and temperate Asia and into Europe.  eventually spreading throughout tropical and temperate Asia and into Europe.  These European bees became isolated from the Asian species as desert These European bees became isolated from the Asian species as desert developed in the Middle East, and evolved into the species that we know developed in the Middle East, and evolved into the species that we know today as today as Apis melliferaApis mellifera, with an indigenous distribution stretching from the , with an indigenous distribution stretching from the Arctic Circle to South Africa, and with eastern limits of the Ural Mountains in Arctic Circle to South Africa, and with eastern limits of the Ural Mountains in the north and the central deserts of Afghanistan in the south.  The cavity-the north and the central deserts of Afghanistan in the south.  The cavity-nesting bees in Asia evolved into nesting bees in Asia evolved into Apis ceranaApis cerana and the several other cavity  and the several other cavity nesting species of nesting species of Apis Apis known today.  The open nesting species gave rise to known today.  The open nesting species gave rise to the several types of open nesting species existing today.  Thus, Asia has a the several types of open nesting species existing today.  Thus, Asia has a diversity of diversity of ApisApis species, while Europe and Africa have just one species.   species, while Europe and Africa have just one species.  

Ants:Ants:► HabitsHabits► Ants typically make their nests in or on the ground. The soil Ants typically make their nests in or on the ground. The soil

excavated to make the nest may be piled up around the opening excavated to make the nest may be piled up around the opening to the nest, forming a mound or crater. The nest is typically to the nest, forming a mound or crater. The nest is typically composed of several long tunnels that lead to chambers. The composed of several long tunnels that lead to chambers. The chambers serve as storage areas for food and as nurseries for the chambers serve as storage areas for food and as nurseries for the young.young.

► Some ants live in the wood of trees or rotten logs. The workers Some ants live in the wood of trees or rotten logs. The workers of one tree-dwelling species make nests by weaving leaves of one tree-dwelling species make nests by weaving leaves together with silky threads secreted by their larvae. Some ants together with silky threads secreted by their larvae. Some ants have well-defined territories and build permanent nests. Others have well-defined territories and build permanent nests. Others move from one site to another, building a new nest each time. move from one site to another, building a new nest each time. Some ants share their nests with ants of a different species and Some ants share their nests with ants of a different species and sometimes with other kinds of insects, or with spiders. A number sometimes with other kinds of insects, or with spiders. A number of ants make their nests in human dwellings, particularly in wood of ants make their nests in human dwellings, particularly in wood siding or in the foundationsiding or in the foundation

► FoodFood► Some species of ants eat live insects while others feed only on Some species of ants eat live insects while others feed only on

decaying animal matter. Others cultivate and eat fungi. Some decaying animal matter. Others cultivate and eat fungi. Some ants gather seeds and grain for food. Several ant species tend ants gather seeds and grain for food. Several ant species tend "herds" of aphids and scale insects to obtain the sugary liquid, "herds" of aphids and scale insects to obtain the sugary liquid, called honeydew, that they excrete.called honeydew, that they excrete.

► What Else Do Ants Eat?What Else Do Ants Eat?► Ants eat fruit, flowers, and seeds, while others eat everything in Ants eat fruit, flowers, and seeds, while others eat everything in

their path, including small animals.their path, including small animals.► Ants have special mouthparts for grabbing and eating food. First Ants have special mouthparts for grabbing and eating food. First

come the mandibles, which are jaws that move from side to side. come the mandibles, which are jaws that move from side to side. Ants use their mandibles to hold food, carry their young, and Ants use their mandibles to hold food, carry their young, and fight enemies. Behind the mandibles are the maxillae (mak SIHL fight enemies. Behind the mandibles are the maxillae (mak SIHL ee), which are used for chewing. But ants do not swallow the ee), which are used for chewing. But ants do not swallow the food right away. First the food passes to a pouch behind the food right away. First the food passes to a pouch behind the mouth. There, the liquid is squeezed out of the food. Ants mouth. There, the liquid is squeezed out of the food. Ants swallow the liquid and spit out the leftover food pellet.swallow the liquid and spit out the leftover food pellet.

► Ants have two kinds of stomachs—a stomach and a Ants have two kinds of stomachs—a stomach and a crop. Food an ant eats for itself goes to the stomach. crop. Food an ant eats for itself goes to the stomach. Food it shares with others is stored in the crop. The ant Food it shares with others is stored in the crop. The ant spits up this food to feed other ants and larvae. Hungry spits up this food to feed other ants and larvae. Hungry ants may stroke each other or tap antennae to ask for ants may stroke each other or tap antennae to ask for food.food.

► HabitatHabitatMost ant species live in the soil. Some, like the Most ant species live in the soil. Some, like the carpenter ants, also live in wood (they excavate, but do carpenter ants, also live in wood (they excavate, but do not actually eat the wood). Some ants live in cavities not actually eat the wood). Some ants live in cavities made inside plants, such as acorns, twigs, and galls.made inside plants, such as acorns, twigs, and galls.

DescriptionDescription► BodyBody► Ants vary in length from about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) to nearly 2 inches (5 cm). Ants vary in length from about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) to nearly 2 inches (5 cm).

Most species are red, black, brown, or yellow, and some are green or metallic Most species are red, black, brown, or yellow, and some are green or metallic blue. Ants, like other insects, have six legs. Their bodies are divided into three blue. Ants, like other insects, have six legs. Their bodies are divided into three distinct segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Unlike other insects, ants have distinct segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Unlike other insects, ants have elbowed (rather than straight or curved) antennae (feelers), and a pedicel, a elbowed (rather than straight or curved) antennae (feelers), and a pedicel, a narrow waistlike indentation between the thorax and abdomen. The crop, an narrow waistlike indentation between the thorax and abdomen. The crop, an organ located in the abdomen, is used to store food, which can later be organ located in the abdomen, is used to store food, which can later be regurgitated to feed other members of the colony.regurgitated to feed other members of the colony.

► Most ants are smooth-bodied, although some have spiny projections. Ants Most ants are smooth-bodied, although some have spiny projections. Ants have strong jaws called mandibles, which are adapted for killing, crushing, have strong jaws called mandibles, which are adapted for killing, crushing, chewing, cutting, or tearing, depending on the species and what it eats. Some chewing, cutting, or tearing, depending on the species and what it eats. Some species of ants have glands that produce formic acid, a strong acid that can be species of ants have glands that produce formic acid, a strong acid that can be squirted on enemies, causing a burn or sting. Many ants have stingers that squirted on enemies, causing a burn or sting. Many ants have stingers that contain poison, and some, such as the harvester ants and fire ants, can inflict contain poison, and some, such as the harvester ants and fire ants, can inflict painful and, occasionally, fatal stings on humans and other animals.painful and, occasionally, fatal stings on humans and other animals.

► Why Do Ants Have Tiny Waists?Why Do Ants Have Tiny Waists?► Ants have tiny waists so they can wriggle their end parts freely! Ants have tiny waists so they can wriggle their end parts freely!

An ant’s waist has one or two movable parts. These parts allow An ant’s waist has one or two movable parts. These parts allow the ant to twist and turn in different ways—an important feature the ant to twist and turn in different ways—an important feature for moving about an ant colony.for moving about an ant colony.

► Ants have three main body parts: the head, the trunk, and the Ants have three main body parts: the head, the trunk, and the metasoma (meht uh SOH muh). The ant’s eyes, antennae, and metasoma (meht uh SOH muh). The ant’s eyes, antennae, and mandibles (MAN duh buhlz) are located on its head.mandibles (MAN duh buhlz) are located on its head.

► Attached to the trunk are six legs with segments. Each leg has Attached to the trunk are six legs with segments. Each leg has two claws at the foot. The claws hook into dirt, tree bark, or two claws at the foot. The claws hook into dirt, tree bark, or leaves, so ants can quickly walk, climb, and dig! Ants are strong, leaves, so ants can quickly walk, climb, and dig! Ants are strong, too. Many ants can lift 50 times their body weight!too. Many ants can lift 50 times their body weight!

► The metasoma has two parts. They are the waist and the gaster. The metasoma has two parts. They are the waist and the gaster. Organs for digesting, getting rid of waste, and reproducing are in Organs for digesting, getting rid of waste, and reproducing are in the gaster. Some ant species have a sting at the end of the gaster the gaster. Some ant species have a sting at the end of the gaster to defend against other insects.to defend against other insects.

► Where Do Ants Live?Where Do Ants Live?► There are about 10,000 species of ants. So it is not surprising that ants, like There are about 10,000 species of ants. So it is not surprising that ants, like

millions of other social insects, live everywhere on land, except where it is millions of other social insects, live everywhere on land, except where it is really cold. In fact, areas with warm and moist climates have the most types of really cold. In fact, areas with warm and moist climates have the most types of ants and other insects.ants and other insects.

► Tropical rain forests are very rich in insect life. If all the animals in the Tropical rain forests are very rich in insect life. If all the animals in the Amazon rain forest were weighed, many scientists think ants and termites Amazon rain forest were weighed, many scientists think ants and termites would make up one-third of that weight.would make up one-third of that weight.

► Ants are successful survivors. They have different ways of life that allow Ants are successful survivors. They have different ways of life that allow them to live in different habitats. And their small size makes it easy for them them to live in different habitats. And their small size makes it easy for them to find food and shelter.to find food and shelter.

► SensesSenses► The ant's most highly developed sense is that of smell. Ants have abdominal The ant's most highly developed sense is that of smell. Ants have abdominal

glands that secrete a variety of pheromones, chemical substances that cause glands that secrete a variety of pheromones, chemical substances that cause specific reactions by other individuals. Pheromones act as alarms, sex specific reactions by other individuals. Pheromones act as alarms, sex attractants, and trail markers; and they help individuals recognize each other. attractants, and trail markers; and they help individuals recognize each other. Ants have a well-developed sense of taste, and can distinguish sour, sweet, Ants have a well-developed sense of taste, and can distinguish sour, sweet, bitter, and salty tastes. Their sense of touch is keen. Touch, or tactile, bitter, and salty tastes. Their sense of touch is keen. Touch, or tactile, receptors are located on the feet and on hairs on the legs. The antennae are receptors are located on the feet and on hairs on the legs. The antennae are used for smelling, tasting, and touching.used for smelling, tasting, and touching.

► Some species of ants have compound eyes and well-developed vision, while Some species of ants have compound eyes and well-developed vision, while others have simple eyes that can only distinguish between light and dark. others have simple eyes that can only distinguish between light and dark. Some species of ants are blind.Some species of ants are blind.

Ant biology and life cycleAnt biology and life cycle► Ants are social insects that live in colonies that may Ants are social insects that live in colonies that may

include thousands of individuals. Ants, along with bees include thousands of individuals. Ants, along with bees and wasps, are members of the order Hymenoptera and and wasps, are members of the order Hymenoptera and undergo complete metamorphosis passing through four undergo complete metamorphosis passing through four stages:stages:

► EggEgg► LarvaLarva► PupaPupa► AdultAdult► The wingless worker ants are the most common adults The wingless worker ants are the most common adults

seen. However, there are three types of adults:seen. However, there are three types of adults:► QueensQueens► MalesMales► WorkersWorkers

Characteristics and duties of queen ants Largest individuals in colony Are the only females that reproduce Locate nest site Lay eggs Assist workers in feeding and grooming larvae Some ant species have only one queen per colony; others such as Argentine ants may have several

Biology and life cycle—Queens

►Biology and life cycle—Biology and life cycle—MalesMales

►Characteristics and duties of male antsCharacteristics and duties of male ants►Do not participate in colony activitiesDo not participate in colony activities►Mate with queensMate with queens►Die usually within 2 weeks of matingDie usually within 2 weeks of mating

► Biology and life cycle—Biology and life cycle—WorkersWorkers

► Characteristics and duties of workersCharacteristics and duties of workers► Sterile femalesSterile females► Most numerous casteMost numerous caste► Some species such as carpenter ants and fire ants are Some species such as carpenter ants and fire ants are

polymorphic, having several sizes of workers; the larger workers, polymorphic, having several sizes of workers; the larger workers, or major workers, have different job duties than the smaller ones, or major workers, have different job duties than the smaller ones, or minor workers.or minor workers.

► Ants such as the Argentine ants only have one size of worker and Ants such as the Argentine ants only have one size of worker and divide job duties by age; older workers gather food and younger divide job duties by age; older workers gather food and younger workers relay and store food, build tunnels, defend the colony; workers relay and store food, build tunnels, defend the colony; and feed, groom, transport, and protect larvae. and feed, groom, transport, and protect larvae.

Distribution:Distribution:► Many ant genera are found only in rainforests in the warm, high Many ant genera are found only in rainforests in the warm, high

rainfall areas along the northern and eastern coasts. In fact, about rainfall areas along the northern and eastern coasts. In fact, about 23 of the 101 Australian genera are limited to coastal Queensland 23 of the 101 Australian genera are limited to coastal Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales (see locations map at and north-eastern New South Wales (see locations map at bottom). If we add to these rainforest habitats the higher rainfall bottom). If we add to these rainforest habitats the higher rainfall forests and Mediterranean climate regions of southern New forests and Mediterranean climate regions of southern New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, southern South Australia and South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, southern South Australia and south-western Western Australia, the number of genera limited to south-western Western Australia, the number of genera limited to these regions grows to about 50, or nearly half of all known these regions grows to about 50, or nearly half of all known Australian genera. Additionally, more ant genera have been Australian genera. Additionally, more ant genera have been found at certain Queensland rainforest sites than any other found at certain Queensland rainforest sites than any other Australia site of comparable size, with up to 76 genera being Australia site of comparable size, with up to 76 genera being recorded. In contrast to this, the dry arid zone of central Australia recorded. In contrast to this, the dry arid zone of central Australia is occupied by only about 25 genera. None of these genera are is occupied by only about 25 genera. None of these genera are limited to the arid zone as all occur in higher rainfall areas nearer limited to the arid zone as all occur in higher rainfall areas nearer the coasts. It is also worth noting that no genera are restricted to the coasts. It is also worth noting that no genera are restricted to Western Australia or Tasmania.Western Australia or Tasmania.

WaspsWasps► Nesting habitsNesting habits► The type of nest produced by wasps can depend on the The type of nest produced by wasps can depend on the

species and location. Many social wasps produce nests species and location. Many social wasps produce nests that are constructed predominantly from paper pulp. that are constructed predominantly from paper pulp. The kind of timber used varies from one species to The kind of timber used varies from one species to another and this is what can give many species a nest of another and this is what can give many species a nest of distinctive colour. Social Wasps also use other types of distinctive colour. Social Wasps also use other types of nesting material that become mixed in with the nest and nesting material that become mixed in with the nest and it is common to find nests located near to plastic pool or it is common to find nests located near to plastic pool or trampoline covers incorporating distinct bands of colour trampoline covers incorporating distinct bands of colour that reflect the inclusion of these materials that have that reflect the inclusion of these materials that have simply been chewed up and mixed with wood fibres to simply been chewed up and mixed with wood fibres to give a unique look to the nest. give a unique look to the nest.

► Again each species of social wasp appears to favour its Again each species of social wasp appears to favour its own specific range of nesting sites.own specific range of nesting sites.D. mediaD. media and  and D. D. sylvestrissylvestris prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, others  prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, others like like V. germanicaV. germanica like to nest in cavities that include  like to nest in cavities that include holes in the ground, spaces under homes, wall cavities holes in the ground, spaces under homes, wall cavities or in lofts. By contrast solitary wasps are generally or in lofts. By contrast solitary wasps are generally parasitic or predatory and only the latter build nests at parasitic or predatory and only the latter build nests at all. Unlike all. Unlike honey beeshoney bees, wasps have no , wasps have no waxwax producing  producing glandsglands. Many instead create a paper-like substance . Many instead create a paper-like substance primarily from wood pulp. Wood fibers are gathered primarily from wood pulp. Wood fibers are gathered locally from weathered wood, softened by chewing and locally from weathered wood, softened by chewing and mixing with saliva. The pulp is then used to make mixing with saliva. The pulp is then used to make combs with cells for brood rearing. More commonly, combs with cells for brood rearing. More commonly, nests are simply burrows excavated in a substrate nests are simply burrows excavated in a substrate (usually the soil, but also plant stems), or, if (usually the soil, but also plant stems), or, if constructed, they are constructed from mud.constructed, they are constructed from mud.

► Solitary waspsSolitary wasps► The nesting habits of solitary wasps are more diverse The nesting habits of solitary wasps are more diverse

than those of social wasps. than those of social wasps. Mud daubersMud daubers and andpollenpollen wasps wasps construct mud cells in sheltered places typically  construct mud cells in sheltered places typically on the side of walls. on the side of walls. Potter Potter waspswaspssimilarly build vase-similarly build vase-like nests from mud, often with multiple cells, attached like nests from mud, often with multiple cells, attached to the twigs of trees or against walls. Most other to the twigs of trees or against walls. Most other predatory wasps burrow into soil or into plant stems, predatory wasps burrow into soil or into plant stems, and a few do not build nests at all and prefer naturally and a few do not build nests at all and prefer naturally occurring cavities, such as small holes in wood. A occurring cavities, such as small holes in wood. A single egg is laid in each cell, which is sealed thereafter, single egg is laid in each cell, which is sealed thereafter, so there is no interaction between the larvae and the so there is no interaction between the larvae and the adults, unlike in social wasps. In some species, male adults, unlike in social wasps. In some species, male eggs are selectively placed on smaller prey, leading to eggs are selectively placed on smaller prey, leading to males being generally smaller than femalesmales being generally smaller than females

► Social waspsSocial wasps► The nests of some social wasps, such as hornets, are first constructed by the The nests of some social wasps, such as hornets, are first constructed by the

queen and reach about the size of a walnut before sterile female workers take queen and reach about the size of a walnut before sterile female workers take over construction. The queen initially starts the nest by making a single layer over construction. The queen initially starts the nest by making a single layer or canopy and working outwards until she reaches the edges of the cavity. or canopy and working outwards until she reaches the edges of the cavity. Beneath the canopy she constructs a stalk to which she can attach several Beneath the canopy she constructs a stalk to which she can attach several cells; these cells are where the first eggs will be laid. The queen then cells; these cells are where the first eggs will be laid. The queen then continues to work outwards to the edges of the cavity after which she adds continues to work outwards to the edges of the cavity after which she adds another tier. This process is repeated, each time adding a new tier until another tier. This process is repeated, each time adding a new tier until eventually enough female workers have been born and matured to take over eventually enough female workers have been born and matured to take over construction of the nest leaving the queen to focus on reproduction. For this construction of the nest leaving the queen to focus on reproduction. For this reason, the size of a nest is generally a good indicator of approximately how reason, the size of a nest is generally a good indicator of approximately how many female workers there are in the colony and some hornets' nests many female workers there are in the colony and some hornets' nests eventually grow to the size of beach balls. Social wasp colonies often have eventually grow to the size of beach balls. Social wasp colonies often have populations of between three and ten thousand female workers at maturity, populations of between three and ten thousand female workers at maturity, although a small proportion of nests are seen on a regular basis that are over although a small proportion of nests are seen on a regular basis that are over three feet across and potentially contain upwards of twenty thousand workers three feet across and potentially contain upwards of twenty thousand workers and at least one queen. What has also been seen are nests close to one another and at least one queen. What has also been seen are nests close to one another at the beginning of the year growing quickly and merging with one another to at the beginning of the year growing quickly and merging with one another to create nests with tens of thousands of workers.create nests with tens of thousands of workers.PolistesPolistes Some related types of  Some related types of paper wasp do not construct their nests in tiers but rather in flat single combs.paper wasp do not construct their nests in tiers but rather in flat single combs.

wasp nests Dolichovespula nest on maple tree, photographed near Maple Lake

The Habitat of WaspsThe Habitat of Wasps► RegionsRegions► Almost ever region of the world has Almost ever region of the world has

wasps, with more than 200,000 wasps, with more than 200,000 species of the insect and its relatives species of the insect and its relatives having been discovered around the having been discovered around the world. There are at least 4,000 types world. There are at least 4,000 types of wasps in the United States alone. of wasps in the United States alone. Wasps can survive in almost any Wasps can survive in almost any terrain, with the exception of polar terrain, with the exception of polar regions. Rainforests, wetlands, regions. Rainforests, wetlands, deserts, marshes, dunes and forests deserts, marshes, dunes and forests are just a few of the terrains where are just a few of the terrains where wasps had built nests.wasps had built nests.

► NestsNests► Wasps build their nests in a variety of ways; however, unlike bees that use Wasps build their nests in a variety of ways; however, unlike bees that use

wax, wasps typically make their nests from paper. When building a nest, the wax, wasps typically make their nests from paper. When building a nest, the colony workers collect paper and wood fibers in their mouths, including colony workers collect paper and wood fibers in their mouths, including pieces of weathered fences, telephone poles and cardboard boxes. After pieces of weathered fences, telephone poles and cardboard boxes. After mixing the fibers with saliva, the wasps use the paste to construct the nest. mixing the fibers with saliva, the wasps use the paste to construct the nest. The fibers harden and create a durable paper home. Some wasp species, such The fibers harden and create a durable paper home. Some wasp species, such as the European hornet, build nests in hollowed trees or a home's attic. Others, as the European hornet, build nests in hollowed trees or a home's attic. Others, like the bald-faced hornet, construct hanging nests from trees and vegetation.like the bald-faced hornet, construct hanging nests from trees and vegetation.

► Inside NestsInside Nests Each wasp nest can hold thousands of the insects. Most wasp habitats can Each wasp nest can hold thousands of the insects. Most wasp habitats can

house from 11,000 to 13,000 workers. They use these nests for breeding house from 11,000 to 13,000 workers. They use these nests for breeding and raising offspring. Depending on the species of wasp, some female and raising offspring. Depending on the species of wasp, some female worker wasps will lay eggs and produce larva, while other species' worker wasps will lay eggs and produce larva, while other species' females don't reproduce. They only care for the queen's offspring. females don't reproduce. They only care for the queen's offspring. Because wasps hunt live creatures, including flies, spiders and caterpillars, Because wasps hunt live creatures, including flies, spiders and caterpillars, they do not store food in the nest, to avoid spoiling.they do not store food in the nest, to avoid spoiling.

►Longevity of NestsLongevity of Nests Most wasp colonies are short-lived compared to Most wasp colonies are short-lived compared to

other animals, with most surviving only one year. other animals, with most surviving only one year. During the winter, almost all of a nest's worker During the winter, almost all of a nest's worker wasps will die. The queen wasp will abandon the wasps will die. The queen wasp will abandon the nest and find a warm place to hibernate through the nest and find a warm place to hibernate through the winter, such as an empty log. When the weather winter, such as an empty log. When the weather warms, the queen will establish a new colony and warms, the queen will establish a new colony and nest somewhere else. Rarely do wasps return to their nest somewhere else. Rarely do wasps return to their nest from the year past.nest from the year past.

DescriptionDescription►Wasps are probably the most familiar and Wasps are probably the most familiar and

generally disliked of all British Insects. Their generally disliked of all British Insects. Their bodies bear the characteristic black and yellow bodies bear the characteristic black and yellow bands and have a narrow waist in the middle of bands and have a narrow waist in the middle of the body. They vary in size from the worker the body. They vary in size from the worker which is 10-15mm in length to the queen which which is 10-15mm in length to the queen which is 20mm long. They all have two pairs of wings is 20mm long. They all have two pairs of wings which lock together. The needle-like sting is which lock together. The needle-like sting is possessed only by the females and is concealed possessed only by the females and is concealed near the tip of the abdomen.near the tip of the abdomen.

BiologyBiology► In wasps, as in other In wasps, as in other HymenopteraHymenoptera, , sexessexes are  are

significantly significantly geneticallygenetically different. Females have 2n  different. Females have 2n number of number of chromosomeschromosomes and come about from  and come about from fertilized eggs. Males, in contrast, have a fertilized eggs. Males, in contrast, have a haploidhaploid (n)  (n) number of chromosomes and develop from an number of chromosomes and develop from an unfertilized egg. Wasps store sperm inside their body unfertilized egg. Wasps store sperm inside their body and control its release for each individual egg as it is and control its release for each individual egg as it is laid; if a female wishes to produce a male egg, she laid; if a female wishes to produce a male egg, she simply lays the egg without fertilizing it. Therefore, simply lays the egg without fertilizing it. Therefore, under most conditions in most species, wasps have under most conditions in most species, wasps have complete voluntary control over the sex of their complete voluntary control over the sex of their offspring offspring

► Anatomy and sexAnatomy and sex► Anatomically, there is a great deal of Anatomically, there is a great deal of

variation between different types of wasp. variation between different types of wasp. Like all insects, wasps have a hard Like all insects, wasps have a hard exoskeletonexoskeleton covering their three main body  covering their three main body parts. These parts are known as the parts. These parts are known as the headhead, , mesosomamesosoma and  and metasomametasoma. Wasps also have a . Wasps also have a constricted region joining the first and constricted region joining the first and second segments of the abdomen (the first second segments of the abdomen (the first segment is part of the mesosoma, the second segment is part of the mesosoma, the second is part of the metasoma) known as the is part of the metasoma) known as the petiolepetiole. Like all insects, wasps have three sets of . Like all insects, wasps have three sets of two legs. In addition to their two legs. In addition to their compound eyescompound eyes, , wasps also have several simple eyes known wasps also have several simple eyes known as as ocelliocelli. These are typically arranged in a . These are typically arranged in a triangular formation just forward of an area triangular formation just forward of an area of the head known as the of the head known as the vertexvertex..

Wasp ocelli (simple eyes) and dorsal part of the compound eyes; also showing fine, unbranched hairs

► It is possible to distinguish between sexes of some wasp It is possible to distinguish between sexes of some wasp species based on the number of divisions on their species based on the number of divisions on their antennaeantennae. For example, male yellowjacket wasps has 13 . For example, male yellowjacket wasps has 13 divisions per antenna, while females have 12. Males can divisions per antenna, while females have 12. Males can in some cases be differentiated from females by virtue in some cases be differentiated from females by virtue of having an additional visible segment in the of having an additional visible segment in the metasomametasoma. The difference between sterile female worker wasps . The difference between sterile female worker wasps and queens also varies between species but generally and queens also varies between species but generally the queen is noticeably larger than both males and other the queen is noticeably larger than both males and other females.females.

► Wasps can be differentiated from bees, which have a Wasps can be differentiated from bees, which have a flattened hind flattened hind basitarsusbasitarsus. Unlike bees, wasps generally . Unlike bees, wasps generally lack plumose hairs lack plumose hairs

Adult European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) feeding on nectar

Sand wasp (Bembix oculata, familyCrabronidae) removing bodily fluids from a fly after paralysing it with the sting

DistributionDistribution

►Several species of wasps exist in the UK but the Several species of wasps exist in the UK but the most abundant is the Common Wasp and most abundant is the Common Wasp and German wasp, both of which are widely German wasp, both of which are widely distributed. Both species nest underground or in distributed. Both species nest underground or in the cavities of trees, walls and Buildings.the cavities of trees, walls and Buildings.