Vespula alascensis (Packard)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Carpenter, James M., 2012, The Vespinae of North America (Vespidae, Hymenoptera), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 28, pp. 37-65 : 45

Vespula alascensis (Packard) Figs 15 36 65 81

Vespa alascensis Packard 1870:27, pl. II fig. 10. Holotype female; "Lower Yukon" (Repository unknown).

Vespa westwoodii Shipp 1893:450. Holotype female; "N. Amer. Bor." (OXFORD).

Distribution.

Widespread in North America

Biology.

Vespula alascensis nests are usually built in subterranean cavities or in structures. The nests can be huge and may become perennial in warmer climates. This species feeds on live prey but will scavenge any source of protein or sugar. It has been introduced into Hawaii, but is not now established ( Carpenter 2008, under vulgaris).

This North American species was usually known as Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus), based on the similarity between the American and European populations. Carpenter and Glare (2010) discovered that the European and American populations are not conspecific based on features of the male genitalia and mitochondrial DNA evidence.

Figures

Figures 14 - 25. Front view of face, antennae removed. Vpl. = Vespula.

Figures 26 - 37. Dorsal view of worker metasoma.

Figures 59 - 71. Lateral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: ae = aedeagus p = paramere.

Figures 72 - 84. Ventral view of genital capsule in Vespula (Vpl). Abbreviations: A. = dorsal view of paramere ae = aedeagus p = paramere v = volsella Vpl. = Vespula.