Notes on the distribution of vespid wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Tawang, Eastern Himalayas, India

Abstract

The Eastern Himalayas represents one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots, yet information on the vespid wasp fauna of this region is still limited. This study provides the first consolidated account of vespid wasps from the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, based on extensive field surveys. We recorded 19 species belonging to 10 genera and three subfamilies (Eumeninae, Polistinae, and Vespinae). Among these, Antepipona bhutanensis Giordani Soika 1975 is documented for the first time from India, while Polistes (Polistella) assamensis Bingham 1897 and Polistes (Polistella) santoshae Das and Gupta 1989 represent new records for Arunachal Pradesh. Species-specific natural history notes, floral associations, and microhabitat preferences are provided for all recorded taxa. In addition, an updated checklist of the vespid fauna of Arunachal Pradesh was compiled through an extensive review of published literature and museum records, now comprising 73 species across 27 genera and four subfamilies. The results highlight the exceptional richness of solitary and social wasps in the region that underscore the ecological importance as predators, pollinators, and bioindicators. This study fills a critical knowledge gap for the Eastern Himalayas and provides a baseline framework for future taxonomic, ecological, and conservation-oriented research on Hymenoptera in northeastern India.