<i>Microstigmus comes</i> : Sociality in a Sphecid Wasp

Abstract

Pendent nests of the wasp Microstigmus comes from Costa Rica contained up to 18 adults each. Ovarian dissection indicates that there is reproductive dominance (division of labor) among females from the same nest, without apparent external morphological differences. Evidence for parental care and cooperation in provisioning and defense also identify this as the first social sphecid wasp.