New nests of Zethus reveal unexpected architecture variation in the olmecus species group (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Zethus Fabricius is the largest known genus in Vespidae, but very little is known about their nesting behavior. Belonging to the Z. olmecus species group, Zethus miniatus is widely known for its subsocial behavior, where females build together aerial nests comprised of a cluster of several cells. Ne...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lopes, Rogério Botion [UNESP], Melo, Gabriel A.R.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/296979
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1806-9665-RBENT-2024-0126
https://hdl.handle.net/11449/296979
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Communal nesting
Nest structure
Zethus (Zethoides)
Descripción
Sumario:Zethus Fabricius is the largest known genus in Vespidae, but very little is known about their nesting behavior. Belonging to the Z. olmecus species group, Zethus miniatus is widely known for its subsocial behavior, where females build together aerial nests comprised of a cluster of several cells. Nests of closely related species of the same species group, Z. notatus, Z. schadei and Z. thoracicus, collected in the Amazon basin, are here described and illustrated. Nests of Z. notatus and Z. thoracicus reveal architectures very distinct from those of Z. miniatus. Although examined nests are all aerial and comprised of at least four cells, the orientation and maceration of vegetable matter vary among these species. Finally, notes on social behavior and progressive provisioning of Z. schadei and Z. thoracicus are provided.