Relationship between Nest and Body Temperature and Microclimate in the Paper Wasp Polistes dominula.

ABSTRACT: The paper wasp Polistes dominula is a thermophilic species originating from the Mediterranean climate, but is now widely spread in Europe. They live in quite differing habitats; and as synanthropic species, they have been established in human settlement areas. They build a single small comb at protected places with a favorable microclimate. We measured the temperature of the wasps, the nests and their environment at typical nesting sides in Austria (Europe) in the temperate climate, in order to reveal relationships between nest and body temperature and the habitats' microclimate. The temperatures of the comb and of the wasps' body were in a wide range (~20-37 °C) above the ambient air temperature at the nest. This is an advantage as higher temperatures accelerate the development spe

SUBMITTER: Kovac H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10672314 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature