Vertical Distribution and Seasonality of Predatory Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in a Temperate Deciduous Forest

Abstract

Flight intercept traps suspended in the crowns ( ≥15 m) and near the bases (0.5 m) of 12 trees in a temperate deciduous forest yielded 522 vespid wasps. The most common species were Vespula maculifrons (Buysson), Dolichovespula maculata (Linnaeus) and Vespula squamosa (Drury). Almost all specimens (99%) were captured in the upper traps. Vespid abundance increased dramatically in mid season, peaking in late Jul and early Aug. The possible importance of these predators in determining lepidopteran voltinism is discussed.