The role of passive defense (selfish herd and dilution effect) in the gregarious nesting of Liostenogaster wasps (Vespidae, Hymenoptera, Stenogastrinae)

The advantages of the selfish herd and encounter-dilution effects were studied in two congeneric gregarious-nesting species of Stenogastrine wasps, Liostenogaster vechti Turillazzi and L. flavolineata (Cameron), in Malaysia. Results show that nesting in clusters affords these wasps some degree of protection against their main invertebrate predators, parasites and parasitoids. This advantage is reflected in the geometry of the aggregation as well as in the behavior of the individuals. The costs and benefits of group living and the implications of the selection of this nesting strategy in the evolution of sociality in these wasps are discussed.