Nesting Behavior of Chlorion aerarium1

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Abstract
Information is presented on the nesting behavior of Chlorion aerarium Patton, obtained from 10 multicellular nests in central New York and 1 nest in West Haven, Connecticut. Except for the W. Haven nest, nests were constructed only from burrows previously constructed and often occupied by Sphecius speciosus (Drury). The pear-shaped cells of C. aerarium were constructed in tandem and separated by sand plugs. Each cell was mass provisioned with several nymphal or adult Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeister. A provisioning female usually transported her prey on the ground and held the paralyzed cricket with her mandibles and forelegs. The prey, most of which were placed in the cell head inward and venter up, remained quiescent unless distrubed. The C. aerarium burrow and the S. speciosus nest entrance were thoroughly plugged when finished. Notes on prey capture and a comparison of nesting behavior components of the other known generic members are presented and discussed. Hypotheses are presented for some of the unusual behavior exhibited by C. aerarium.

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