Brachygastra scutellaris
| Brachygastra scutellaris | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Genus: | Brachygastra |
| Species: | B. scutellaris |
| Binomial name | |
|
Brachygastra scutellaris Olivier, 1792 |
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Brachygastra scutellaris, a honey wasp, is a Neotropical, swarm-founding species that is found in South America and has a medium-sized population of 100-1000 individuals per colony. It stores large amounts of nectar in its nest for the production of honey, and it was even found that at certain times of the year, the nectar is toxic to humans, as they will extract nectar from hallucinogenic plants, depending on the season.
Brachygastra scutellaris is a part of the Vespidae family and the subfamily Polistinae as well as the Epiponini tribe. As characteristic of the Vespidae family, B. scutellaris is a eusocial wasp, which refers to the complex organization of behavior defined by: living in groups, cooperative care of young, reproductive division of labor and reproductive castes and an overlap of generations. As part of the Polistinae subfamily, food is masticated and subsequently fed to their young. The larvae then regurgitate the masticated food in the form of a nutritious liquid, which is consumed by the adults. Furthermore, as part of the Epiponini tribe, B. scutellaris is observed to be a polygynous species with several queens, and it reproduces via swarming.
Close relatives of Brachygastra scutellaris include: B. azteca, B. lecheguana, and B. mellifica.
Brachygastra scutellaris can be identified by characteristics that are specific to the genus Brachygastra. These include a prominent and projecting scutellum which, coupled with the metanotum and propodeum, form a vertical and flat thorax. Furthermore, the first tergum (abdominal segment) is short and cap-shaped. The second tergum, due to its large size, will conceal any successive terga, which gives these wasps a short appearance.
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