Discovery of the nest of the yellow jacket Vespula structor (Smith) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) from China with description of its immature stages

Abstract

Data on the nest structure, morphology of all stages and behaviour have contributed to the phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of social vespids. Two underground nests of Vespula structor (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Vespinae) were discovered in China. For the first time, the morphology of all the stages, and the nests are described in detail and illustrated. It is additional evidence supporting the recent conclusion that synonymized Vespula gongshanensis with V. structor. The status of Vespula structor within both the genus Vespula and the vulgaris-group are briefly discussed.