Are invasive species promoting yellowjacket invasion in Patagonia?

MASCIOCCHI, MAITÉ; VILLACIDE, JOSÉ M.; BUTELER, MICAELA; MARTÍNEZ, ANDRÉS S.

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2022 p. 1 - 2

0931-2048

In recent decades, yellowjacket wasps, including Vespula vulgaris, have successfully been established in Patagonia. Additionally, the invasive willow Salix fragilis has also invaded areas next to watercourses, which in turn are typically colonized by the giant willow aphid (GWA, Tuberolagnus salignus), another invasive species. The honeydew exuded by the aphids has been reported to be used as a carbohydrate source by this social wasp. Our aim was to determine whether willows and GWA (invasive complex) on the stream shores promotes yellowjacket population growth. We worked under the hypothesis that GWA provides honeydew (i.e. carbohydrates) to yellowjackets, favouring nest growth and individual fitness. Our results indicate that habitats close (