Abdomen - Parancistrocerus perennis

female with acarinarium

Oh interesting. I had thought that only the males carried the mites, but doing some more research, I see that I am wrong. Seems like acarinaria are more typical of females in some Hymenoptera, but in Eumeninae sometimes the males have them as well.

… Cotinis, 8 November, 2022 - 9:04am

Acarinarium

To my knowledge there is very little sexual dimorphism in the acarinarium of Eumeninae. Mites typically transfer from males to females during mating or else they won't be able to reproduce. The mites that are found on the wasps are immature stages. They become adults in the nest, and the only way to get there is through a female (males play no role in nest construction or provisioning).

… Matthias Buck, 8 November, 2022 - 12:21pm

interesting--reference on paternity

Interesting article discussing possible role of sexual transmission of the mites in order to ensure male paternity: A wasp love story
I see that is based on some older research. Do you know if the idea of mites as a reproductive advantage to the males still holds up?

… Cotinis, 8 November, 2022 - 12:32pm

Mites

I am not aware of any newer studies but my main focus has been on taxonomy.

… Matthias Buck, 8 November, 2022 - 12:36pm

Moved

Moved from Parancistrocerus perennis perennis.

… bdagley, 1 October, 2021 - 2:09am

Moved

Moved from Parancistrocerus perennis.

… bdagley, 1 October, 2021 - 2:09am

Moved

Moved from Parancistrocerus.

… Matthias Buck, 28 December, 2013 - 3:37pm

Moved

Moved from Potter and Mason Wasps.

… Matthias Buck, 28 June, 2009 - 7:40pm