Dolichovespula arenaria (Fabricius)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Carpenter, James M., 2012, The Vespinae of North America (Vespidae, Hymenoptera), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 28, pp. 37-65 : 43

Dolichovespula arenaria (Fabricius) Figs 32 51, 56

Vespa arenaria Fabricius 1775:365. Holotype female; "America arenosis" (LONDON).

Vespa borealis Kirby 1837:264. Holotype female; Canada (repository unknown).

Vespa diabolica de Saussure 1854:138. Syntype females; “L’Amerique du Nord, Philadelphia" (TURIN).

Vespa fernaldi Lewis 1897:173. Holotype female; “Colorado” (PHILADELPHIA).

Distribution.

This species is abundant throughout boreal North America.

Biology.

Dolichovespula arenaria feeds on live prey but will occasionally visit carrion. It builds aerial nests, like Dolichovespula maculata , but its nests are usually built in more sheltered sites, such as within bushes, trees, on houses and outbuildings, and rarely even under rocks.

Figures

Figures 26 - 37. Dorsal view of worker metasoma.

Figures 48 - 53. Lateral view of genital capsule in Dolichovespula (Dolichovespula) 54 - 58 Ventral view of genital capsule.