Bird dropping masquerading of the nest by the potter wasp Minixi suffusum (Fox, 1899) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)

Abstract

The nest of Minixi suffusum offers a rare form of mimicry: bird dropping masquerading of the nest by the potter wasp was recorded in mid-western Brazil, in the municipality of Dourados MS. Nesting biology of M. suffusum and the material involved in the action of the camouflage were observed. Eleven nests were sampled, with a total of 38 cells. Use of uric acid for staining the cell was evident in all nests. The way that the wasp stains the cells was observed. Substrate nest site, seasonality, larvae biology, sex ratio, prey and parasitoids of M. suffusum were reported. Nest camouflage may be related to defense against natural enemies.