Study of the Foraging Activity of Mischocyttarus consimilis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

The present study assessed the foraging activity of Mischocyttarus consimilis, through observations of 10 colonies from September 2007 to June 2008. The mean frequency of wasps foraging during the period of activity of the colony was 29.89% of the total number of individuals of the colony. The maximum value of 53.62% was reached at a combination of temperatures above 28.5°C and relative humidity below 27.50%. The peak of foraging activity in post-emergence colonies was between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. On average, the wasps spent most of their foraging time collecting nectar.