Alternative Manners of Prey-Carrying in the Fossorial Wasp, Oxybelus strandi YASUMATSU (Hymenoptera, Sphecoidea) :

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Description

The prey-carrying methods in Oxybelus strandi were studied by means of direct observations and photo-analysis. O. strandi transports a prey by pedal-carrying or by sting-carrying. In sting-carrying, the sting does not slip out because the tip of the wasp's gaster bends down strongly, crooked like a hook. There are correiations between the size of the prey and the behavior type of prey carriage, and of entering the nest. When the prey is small, the wasp carryes it by pedal-carrying, dives into the nest-entrance, and then immediately goes down to the cell with it. When the prey is of medium size, the wasp carries it by pedal-carrying, dives into the nest entrance, where the prey is placed temporarily. The wasp goes down to the cell, and then returns to the entrance to drag the prey into the cell. When the prey is large, the wasp carries it to the nest entrance by sting-carrying, and drags it into the cell in the same way as in the case of a medium-sized prey. Adopting alternative manners of prey carriage, a wasp of this species can dive into the nest quickly with prey of various sizes without widening the nest entrance.

Journal

  • 昆蟲

    昆蟲 53 (2), 277-283, 1985-06-25

    東京昆蟲學會

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