Journal of Economic Entomology (2001) 94, 850-852

P. d'Adamo, J.C. Corley and M. Lozada (2001)
Attraction of Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) foragers by conspecific heads
Journal of Economic Entomology 94 (4), 850-852
Abstract: The social wasp Vespula germanica (F.) is a serious pest in many regions it has invaded. Control programs to reduce its populations are commonly based on the use of poison baits. These baits also attract nonpestiferous invertebrates and vertebrates. In this work we studied the attraction of V. germanica foragers by conspecific worker squashes, comparing the effect of head and abdomen squashes in wasps behavior. We found that head squashes attract V. germanica foragers, elicit landing and transportation to nests. Furthermore, the addition of squashed heads to a protein bait increased attraction. This could be an alternative to improve baiting programs.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Paola D'Adamo, Juan Carlos Corley

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Vespula germanica