Some Structural Features of the Nest Materials of DOLICHOVESPULA SYLVESTRIS (SCOPOLI, 1763) and DOLICHOVESPULA MEDIA (RETZIUS, 1783) (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the nest materials and some physical features and elemental composition of the nests of Dolichovespula sylvestris (Scopoli, 1763) and Dolichovespula media (Retzius, 1783). In the D. sylvestris nest, the average thicknesses of the fibers in envelope and comb were 8.51μm and 12.42 μm; the nitrogen concentrations were 19.70% and 36.90%, respectively. The percentages of the fibers and saliva were calculated 35% and 65%. In the D. media nest, the average thicknesses of the fibers in envelope and comb were 7.49μm and 7.51μm; the nitrogen concentrations were 23.09% and 29.28%, respectively. The percentages of the fibers and saliva were calculated 30% and 70%.