Summary
The duration of the egg, larval and pupal stages ofParischnogaster mellyi was established and the mean duration for the whole developmental sequence was found to be about 53 days. Evidence from larval head-widths suggested the presence of only 3 or 4 larval instars. Eggs were observed to be placed in the cell with the mouthparts. The unique white secretion which accompanies stenogastrine eggs and young larvae was observed to be produced from the tip of the gaster. The Dufour's gland is proposed as a possible source of the secretion. The number of males per nest was found to be positively correlated with brood size. A considerable proportion of the brood (84 %) was lost, the majority apparently through cannibalism by colony members. The maximum number of eggs+larvae that a single female could look after was found to be 8 or 9.
Resume
Les durées du stade-œuf, des stades larvaires et du stade nymphal ont été mesurées chez la GuêpeParischnogaster mellyi dont la durée moyenne de développement est d'environ 53 jours. Les mesures de largeur de tête laissent penser qu'il y a seulement 3 ou 4 stades larvaires. Les œufs sont déposés dans la cellule au moyen des pièces buccales. La sécrétion blanche qui accompagne les œufs et les jeunes larves de Sténogastrine provient de l'extrémité du gaster. La glande de Dufour est peut-être la source de cette sécrétion. Nous avons observé que le nombre de mâles est en corrélation positive avec la quantité de couvain. Une proportion importante de couvain a disparu, apparemment surtout à cause du cannibalisme des membres de la colonie. Le nombre maximum d'œufs et de larves dont peut s'occuper une femelle est de 8 ou 9.
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Hansell, M.H. Brood development in the subsocial waspParischnogaster mellyi (Saussure) (Stenogastrinae, Hymenoptera). Ins. Soc 29, 3–14 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02224523
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02224523