Observations on the nesting behavior of two agenielline spider wasps (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) in Hong Kong, China: Macromerella honesta (Smith) and an Auplopus species

Abstract

Field observations and rearing observations of five nests of Macromerella honesta (Smith) and four nests of Auplopus sp. were carried out in Hong Kong, China, in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2012. Nests of Macromerella honesta were composed of two rows of exposed ovoid mud cells, affixed to broad leafs while nests of Auplopus sp. were constructed as variable masses of mortar affixed to a linear substrate (thorns, wire-mesh, etc.). Cells of the nests of Auplopus sp. were more or less cylindrical and covered with a layer of hardened mud finished with a plant gum coating. Both species used a single dismembered spider, transported ventrally to the nesting site, for cell provisioning. Active guarding was observed at all nesting sites. Overlap of generation was also recorded with active nest cooperation (construction and prey provisioning) between individuals of different generations on the same nesting site. The two species were inferred to be at least bivoltine in Hong Kong. © Vili Harizanova et al.