Polistes wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) show interference competition with other insects for Kermes scale insect (Homoptera: Kermesidae) secretions

TitlePolistes wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) show interference competition with other insects for Kermes scale insect (Homoptera: Kermesidae) secretions
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1979
AuthorsBarrows EM
JournalProceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Volume81
Pagination570-575
KeywordsWASPS
Abstract

Twenty-one marked Polistes fuscatus (F.) females repelled other insects from kermesid scale insects Kermes kingi Cockerell for from 1 to 4 days. These wasps drove away conspecifics and other insects in at least eight other families that attempted to feed on scale secretions. When flower nectar became abundant, P. fuscatus and other insects except ants abandoned the scales and visited flowers.