FLYING CAPACITY OF SWARM-FOUNDING WASP Polybia occidentalis occidentalis OLIVER, 1791 (HYMENOPTERA, VESPIDAE)

M. M. Santos, GilbertoP. G. Santana-Reis, VanessaJ. Resende, JaneteDe Marco, PauloC. Bichara Filho, Carlos

This paper aims to estimate the flying capacity of the social wasp Polybia occidentalis occidentalis. Ninety six individuals from six different nests were marked and liberated, at pre-determined distances. This species is able to fly as long as 300m from their nests. However, we assumed that 70% return rate as representative of the most effective distance where the wasps realized foraging flights. According to the logistic model, the distance that allows for the 70% of return rate was 126m. It can be estimated that P. occidentalis occidentalis develop its activities more efficiently within a radius of 62m from the nests. This represents a foraging area per colony of approximately. 12.500m2.