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Nesting of the camouflaged nest of social wasp Mischocyttarus mirificus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in human buildings

Social wasps build their nests by independent foundations (Polistini and Mischocyttarini) or swarms (Epiponini) (Jeanne, 1975JEANNE, R.L., 1975. The adaptiveness of social wasp nest architecture. The Quarterly Review of Biology, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 267-287. http://doi.org/10.1086/408564.
http://doi.org/10.1086/408564...
), which may be on the abaxial surfaces of leaves, man-made substrates, plant branches, cavities in tree trunks or soil (Carpenter and Marques, 2001CARPENTER, J.M. and MARQUES, O.M., 2001. Contribuição ao estudo dos vespídeos do Brasil. Bahia: Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia. CD-ROM.).

A small number of these insects nest in urban buildings to avoid damage caused by adverse weather conditions and natural enemies, while foraging for food at trade fairs, camping areas, picnic areas and urban gardens (Prezoto et al., 2019PREZOTO, F., MACIEL, T.T., DETONI, M., MAYORQUIN, A.Z. and BARBOSA, B.C., 2019. Pest control potential of social wasps in small farms and urban gardens. Insects, vol. 10, no. 7, pp. 192. http://doi.org/10.3390/insects10070192. PMid:31261790.
http://doi.org/10.3390/insects10070192...
; Komonen et al., 2020KOMONEN, A., NIRHAMO, A. and TORNIAINEN, J., 2020. Social wasps Vespinae in urban gardens and woods. Annales Zoologici Fennici, vol. 57, no. 1-6, pp. 41-46. http://doi.org/10.5735/086.057.0105.
http://doi.org/10.5735/086.057.0105...
). Additionally, the productivity and success of social wasp colonies depend on food, water, and nesting substrate resources (Castro et al., 2014CASTRO, M.M., AVELAR, D.L., SOUZA, A.R.D. and PREZOTO, F., 2014. Nesting substrata, colony success, and productivity of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 168-172. http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262014000200009.
http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262014000...
; Brugger et al., 2019BRÜGGER, B.P., ALCÁNTARA-DE LA CRUZ, R., DE CARVALHO, A.G., SOARES, M.A., PREZOTO, F. and ZANUNCIO, J.C., 2019. Polybia fasticiosuscula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) foraging activity patterns. The Florida Entomologist, vol. 102, no. 1, pp. 264-265. http://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0150.
http://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0150...
).

To protect their colonies, social wasps have evolved various adaptations (Detoni et al., 2021DETONI, M., FEÁS, X., JEANNE, R.L., LOOPE, K.J., O’DONNELL, S., SANTORO, D., SUMNER, S. and JANDT, J.M., 2021. Evolutionary and ecological pressures shaping social wasp’s collective defenses. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, vol. 114, no. 5, pp. 581-595. http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063.
http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063...
), including chemical defense mechanisms (Abd El-Wahed et al., 2021ABD EL-WAHED, A., YOSRI, N., SAKR, H.H., DU, M., ALGETHAMI, A.F.M., ZHAO, C., ABDELAZEEM, A.H., TAHIR, H.E., MASRY, S.H.D., ABDEL-DAIM, M.M., MUSHARRAF, S.G., EL-GARAWANI, I., KAI, G., AL NAGGAR, Y., KHALIFA, S.A.M. and EL-SEEDI, H.R., 2021. Wasp venom biochemical components and their potential in biological applications and nanotechnological interventions. Toxins, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 206. http://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13030206. PMid:33809401.
http://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13030206...
), aggressive behaviors (Western and Starr, 2019WESTERN, C.A. and STARR, C.K., 2019. Array and sequence of visual threats in three neotropical social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistes spp.). Journal of Entomological Science, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 288-292. http://doi.org/10.18474/JES18-110.
http://doi.org/10.18474/JES18-110...
), associations with both invertebrates and vertebrates (Somavilla et al., 2013SOMAVILLA, A., FERNANDES, I.O., OLIVEIRA, M.L.D. and SILVEIRA, O.T., 2013. Association among wasps’ colonies, ants, and birds in Central Amazonian. Biota Neotropica, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 308-313. http://doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032013000200031.
http://doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032013000...
; Corbara et al., 2018CORBARA, B., SERVIGNE, P., DEJEAN, A., CARPENTER, J.M. and ORIVEL, J., 2018. A mimetic nesting association between a timid social wasp and an aggressive arboreal ant. Comptes Rendus Biologies, vol. 341, no. 3, pp. 182-188. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2018.01.006. PMid:29478843.
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2018.01.00...
; Servigne et al., 2020SERVIGNE, P., ORIVEL, J., AZÉMAR, F., CARPENTER, J., DEJEAN, A. and CORBARA, B., 2020. An uneasy alliance: a nesting association between aggressive ants and equally fierce social wasps. Insect Science, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 122-132. http://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12597. PMid:29659142.
http://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12597...
), camouflage strategies (Badejo et al., 2020BADEJO, O., SKALDINA, O., GILEV, A. and SORVARI, J., 2020. Benefits of insect colors: a review from social insect studies. Oecologia, vol. 194, no. 1-2, pp. 27-40. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-020-04738-1. PMid:32876763.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-020-04738-...
; Milani et al., 2021MILANI, L.R., DE QUEIROZ, R.A.B., DE SOUZA, M.M., CLEMENTE, M.A. and PREZOTO, F., 2021. Camouflaged nests of Mischocyttarus mirificus. Neotropical Entomology, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 912-922. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-1. PMid:34524615.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-...
), and specific nest architecture (Silveira, 2008SILVEIRA, O.T., 2008. Phylogeny of wasps of the genus Mischocyttarus de Saussure. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 510-549. http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000400004.
http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000...
).

Mischocyttarus mirificus (Zikán, 1935) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) has been recorded in Southeastern Brazil in Itatiaia National Park (Rio de Janeiro state), in Environmental Protection Area São José (Minas Gerais state), Inconfidentes, and Bueno Brandão (Minas Gerais) (Souza et al., 2020SOUZA, M.M., TEOFILO-GUEDES, G.S., MILANI, L.R., DE SOUZA, A.S.B. and GOMES, P.P., 2020. Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Sociobiology, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 1-12. http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i1.4597.
http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67...
; Milani et al., 2021MILANI, L.R., DE QUEIROZ, R.A.B., DE SOUZA, M.M., CLEMENTE, M.A. and PREZOTO, F., 2021. Camouflaged nests of Mischocyttarus mirificus. Neotropical Entomology, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 912-922. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-1. PMid:34524615.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-...
). This wasp employs camouflage to conceal its nests through is slender shape and nest coloration, resembling dry branches and vines (Milani et al., 2021MILANI, L.R., DE QUEIROZ, R.A.B., DE SOUZA, M.M., CLEMENTE, M.A. and PREZOTO, F., 2021. Camouflaged nests of Mischocyttarus mirificus. Neotropical Entomology, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 912-922. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-1. PMid:34524615.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-...
). This concealment-based strategy is observed in some Mischocyttarus spp. and it is related to the nesting location, morphology, layers of vegetation added to nest combs, and individual concealment, ultimately reducing predation (Silveira, 2008SILVEIRA, O.T., 2008. Phylogeny of wasps of the genus Mischocyttarus de Saussure. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 510-549. http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000400004.
http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000...
; Milani et al., 2020MILANI, L.R., PREZOTO, F., CLEMENTE, M.A., GOMES, P.P. and DE SOUZA, M.M., 2020. Nesting behaviour of a Neotropical social wasp Mischocyttarus saussurei Zikan, 1949 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). Sociobiology, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 121-125. http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i1.4842.
http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67...
). These characteristics make studies of this species difficult. Furthermore, intolerance to disturbance and human action in anthropic areas makes the detection and study of this peculiar species even rarer.

Studying the architecture and nesting sites of social insects, such as M. mirificus, is crucial to understanding their behaviors, geographic distributions, and gender identification keys (Wenzel, 1998WENZEL, J.W., 1998. Generic key to the nests of hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps worldwide (Vespidae: Vespinae, Polistinae). American Museum Novitates, vol. 3224, pp. 1-39.; Souza et al., 2022SOUZA, M.M., JUNQUEIRA, L.A., TEOFILO-GUEDES, G.S., JACQUES, G.C. and ZANUNCIO, J.C., 2022. Predation of neotropical social wasp nests by ants. Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasileira de Biologia, vol. 84, pp. e260674.). Therefore, the objective of this communication is to report the first case of M. mirificus nesting in an urban area.

Mischocyttarus mirificus nesting was observed in a residence in the urban area of the Conceição do Ibitipoca district, Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais, Brazil (21° 33' 53.1" S, 43° 54' 56.9" W), which is comprised of 1,004 inhabitants with housing near the environmental conservation park (Ibitipoca State Park). Morphometric data of the nests and the number of adult M. mirificus were determined.

The nest was attached to the wood of the roof of a residence and surrounded by branches of Thunbergia mysorensis (Wight), making visibility of the nest difficult, which could provide a form of defense against predators (Figure 1). An active colony of M. mirificus (n=7 individuals) in the post-emergence phase was found, with elongated cells having an oval shape (n=39), arranged vertically and sharing their dorsal wall, measuring 102 cm in length, and with cell openings of 0.5 cm. The nest was located at 124 cm above ground level.

Figure 1
Nest of Mischocyttarus mirificus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) under Thunbergia mysorensis (Acanthaceae) leaf.

Mischocyttarus mirificus builds vertical nests with a single elongated row of cells that resemble roots or twigs (Wenzel, 1998WENZEL, J.W., 1998. Generic key to the nests of hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps worldwide (Vespidae: Vespinae, Polistinae). American Museum Novitates, vol. 3224, pp. 1-39.; Carpenter and Marques, 2001CARPENTER, J.M. and MARQUES, O.M., 2001. Contribuição ao estudo dos vespídeos do Brasil. Bahia: Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia. CD-ROM.). This nest architecture can provide a cryptic character, reducing the action of predators (the major cause of mortality for these insects) (Cooper, 1998COOPER, M., 1998. New species of the artifex group of Mischocyttarus de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with a partial key. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, vol. 134, pp. 293-306.; London and Jeanne, 2000LONDON, K.B. and JEANNE, R.L., 2000. The interaction between mode of colony founding, nest architecture, and ant defense in polistine wasps. Ethology Ecology and Evolution, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 13-25. http://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2000.9728440.
http://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2000.972...
, Souza et al., 2022SOUZA, M.M., JUNQUEIRA, L.A., TEOFILO-GUEDES, G.S., JACQUES, G.C. and ZANUNCIO, J.C., 2022. Predation of neotropical social wasp nests by ants. Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasileira de Biologia, vol. 84, pp. e260674.). The number of cells found (n=39) and the architectural pattern of the nest in M. mirificus, where new cells are added below the old ones, demonstrate the stability of the colony. Furthermore, they nest in forest environments that allow camouflage (plants similar to the shape and color of the nest), with no preference for plant species or substrate (Milani et al., 2021MILANI, L.R., DE QUEIROZ, R.A.B., DE SOUZA, M.M., CLEMENTE, M.A. and PREZOTO, F., 2021. Camouflaged nests of Mischocyttarus mirificus. Neotropical Entomology, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 912-922. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-1. PMid:34524615.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-...
).

This marks the inaugural documentation of a synanthropic relationship of M. mirificus, capitalizing on camouflage in an urban setting to support longer colony lifespans and generations (Detoni et al., 2021DETONI, M., FEÁS, X., JEANNE, R.L., LOOPE, K.J., O’DONNELL, S., SANTORO, D., SUMNER, S. and JANDT, J.M., 2021. Evolutionary and ecological pressures shaping social wasp’s collective defenses. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, vol. 114, no. 5, pp. 581-595. http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063.
http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063...
). Social wasps play a vital ecological role, including pollination in urban and peri-urban ecosystems. Therefore, comprehending these interactions in the urban environment is crucial for conserving insect biodiversity as urban areas expand.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Brazilian agencies “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PELD- FinanceCode 001), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)” for scholarships and financial support. "Thank you to Professor Dr. Juliane Floriano Lopes Santos (Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora) for the information and images provided for the study."

References

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    » http://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13030206
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    » http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262014000200009
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  • CORBARA, B., SERVIGNE, P., DEJEAN, A., CARPENTER, J.M. and ORIVEL, J., 2018. A mimetic nesting association between a timid social wasp and an aggressive arboreal ant. Comptes Rendus Biologies, vol. 341, no. 3, pp. 182-188. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2018.01.006 PMid:29478843.
    » http://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2018.01.006
  • DETONI, M., FEÁS, X., JEANNE, R.L., LOOPE, K.J., O’DONNELL, S., SANTORO, D., SUMNER, S. and JANDT, J.M., 2021. Evolutionary and ecological pressures shaping social wasp’s collective defenses. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, vol. 114, no. 5, pp. 581-595. http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063
    » http://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saaa063
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    » http://doi.org/10.1086/408564
  • KOMONEN, A., NIRHAMO, A. and TORNIAINEN, J., 2020. Social wasps Vespinae in urban gardens and woods. Annales Zoologici Fennici, vol. 57, no. 1-6, pp. 41-46. http://doi.org/10.5735/086.057.0105
    » http://doi.org/10.5735/086.057.0105
  • LONDON, K.B. and JEANNE, R.L., 2000. The interaction between mode of colony founding, nest architecture, and ant defense in polistine wasps. Ethology Ecology and Evolution, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 13-25. http://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2000.9728440
    » http://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2000.9728440
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    » http://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00910-1
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    » http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i1.4842
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    » http://doi.org/10.3390/insects10070192
  • SERVIGNE, P., ORIVEL, J., AZÉMAR, F., CARPENTER, J., DEJEAN, A. and CORBARA, B., 2020. An uneasy alliance: a nesting association between aggressive ants and equally fierce social wasps. Insect Science, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 122-132. http://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12597 PMid:29659142.
    » http://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12597
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    » http://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000400004
  • SOMAVILLA, A., FERNANDES, I.O., OLIVEIRA, M.L.D. and SILVEIRA, O.T., 2013. Association among wasps’ colonies, ants, and birds in Central Amazonian. Biota Neotropica, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 308-313. http://doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032013000200031
    » http://doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032013000200031
  • SOUZA, M.M., JUNQUEIRA, L.A., TEOFILO-GUEDES, G.S., JACQUES, G.C. and ZANUNCIO, J.C., 2022. Predation of neotropical social wasp nests by ants. Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasileira de Biologia, vol. 84, pp. e260674.
  • SOUZA, M.M., TEOFILO-GUEDES, G.S., MILANI, L.R., DE SOUZA, A.S.B. and GOMES, P.P., 2020. Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Sociobiology, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 1-12. http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i1.4597
    » http://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i1.4597
  • WENZEL, J.W., 1998. Generic key to the nests of hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps worldwide (Vespidae: Vespinae, Polistinae). American Museum Novitates, vol. 3224, pp. 1-39.
  • WESTERN, C.A. and STARR, C.K., 2019. Array and sequence of visual threats in three neotropical social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistes spp.). Journal of Entomological Science, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 288-292. http://doi.org/10.18474/JES18-110
    » http://doi.org/10.18474/JES18-110

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    28 June 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    23 Dec 2023
  • Accepted
    22 Apr 2024
Instituto Internacional de Ecologia R. Bento Carlos, 750, 13560-660 São Carlos SP - Brasil, Tel. e Fax: (55 16) 3362-5400 - São Carlos - SP - Brazil
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