Nest site selection and survivorship of Dolichovespula arenaria and Dolichovespula maculata (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

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Abstract
Recurrence of Dolichovespula nests in previous nest site areas was high. Searches for nests in successive years will be more efficient if confined to these areas. Dolichovespula arenaria queens were as likely to build on or near old D. maculata sites as on old D. arenaria sites. Dolichovespula maculata queens favoured sites not used previously by D. arenaria. Dolichovespula arenaria may be less selective than D. maculata in choosing nest sites. Dolichovespula arenaria can successfully usurp colonies of D. maculata. Weather-related bird predation is a major contributor to the mortality of young Dolichovespula colonies. Cool, damp June weather increases the incidence of successful bird predation. Dolichovespula arenaria will kill and remove D. arctica from its nest, and at least two D. arctica queens will cohabit a colony of D. arenaria, suggesting there is less intraspecific aggression in D. arctica than previously reported.