On the species-group taxa of Taiwanese social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) described and/or treated by J. Sonan

Abstract

Taiwanese social wasps described and/or treated by Jinhaku Sonan are revised based on specimens housed in the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute. A checklist of the Taiwanese social wasp species is provided, recognizing 13 Polistes, two Ropalidia, three Parapolybia, eight Vespa and three Vespula species in the Taiwanese fauna. The lectotypes are designated for Polistes mandarinus var. eboshinus Sonan, 1943, Polistes shirakii Sonan, 1943, Polistes takasagonus Sonan, 1943 and Vespa formosana Sonan, 1927. Parapolybia takasagona Sonan, 1944 is treated as a valid species and its status is resurrected. A key to valid species of Taiwanese Polistes is provided. A record of Vespa (Provespa) dorylloides [= Provespa anomala] from Taiwan is based on incorrect labeling. The holotypes of Polistes yamanakai Sonan, 1937 and Vespa matsumurai Sonan, 1935 described from Japan are examined. © 2011 Magnolia Press.