Vespula austriaca is an obligate parasitic wasp, parasitizing the nests of other species in the genus Vespula in the Old World. Its common host species include V. rufa in Europe, Japan, and East Siberia.[1]V. austriaca wasps pollinate orchids.[2]
In some literature, V. austriaca is mentioned under the common name "Cuckoo wasp",[3] but this should not be confused with the family Chrysididae, which have the same common name.
Vespula austriaca is a member of the family Vespidae. The genera Vespula and Dolichovespula are thought to be closely related and are considered sister groups. Their similarities include absences of strong seta on third segment of labial palpus, smaller scutal lamella, and a characteristic twisted pedicel in embryonic nests.
The Nearctic population formerly considered as belonging to V. austriaca has been recognized as a separate species, Vespula infernalis.[4]
As an obligate parasite, these wasps do not build their nests. As a result, the queens hibernate longer than their host queens. This ensures that the nests will be ready when they leave their hibernation spots.[7]
Vespula austriaca is known as a labour parasite. Its lifestyle depends on invading and usurping other colonies. First, females kill the queens of the host colony and force the host workers to care of their offspring.[8] Also, V. austriaca wasps lack a worker caste and the ability to build their own nests. These wasps have very short seasons, with flight periods from June to mid-July and August to mid-September.[7]
Vespula austriaca is not itself considered a pest, but one of its hosts, Vespula rufa, is a pest because it frequently enters buildings.[7] Considered a nuisance, one Vespula austriaca wasp was found in a shipping container.[9]
^Schmidt, J.O; Reed, H.C; Akre, R.D (1984). "Venoms of a Parasitic and Two Nonparasitic Species of Yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)". Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 57 (2): 316–322. JSTOR25084514.
^Spradbery, J.P (1973). Wasps An Account of the Biology and Natural History of Social and Solitary Wasps. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press. ISBN0-295-95287-3.
^ abcEdwards, Robin (1980). Social Wasps Their Biology and Control. East Grinstead: Rentokil Limited. ISBN0-90656401-8.
^ abYamane, S., Kubo T., (1970). A brief note on a labor-parasitic wasp, Vespula austriaca, in association with Vespula rufaschrencki. Kontyu 38(2):171–175.
