Invasion and spread of the German wasp (Vespula germanica) in the Southern Hemisphere. Same invader, same invasion process?

CORLEY JUAN CARLOS; BEGGS JACQUELINE; SACKAMNN PAULA; MASCIOCCHI MAITÉ

San Carlos de Bariloche

Congreso; VI Southern Connection Congress; 2010

Univ. del Comahue, INTA, CONICET

Our aim is to contribute to increase our understanding of animal invasions by comparing the invasion process (and consequences) of the same species in biologically similar ecosystems. A review of the invasion history of Vespula germanica, the german or yellowjacket wasp in Argentina and New Zealand will be presented. We will then analyze and compare the invasion process (namely spread) in both regions focusing on the factors (e.g.: climate matching, biotic resistance, containment or control plans) explaining observed differences and similarities. Finally we will present information on the consequences of the invasion by this social wasp in both regions.