The Behavioural Consequences of Size Variation among Males of the Territorial Wasp Hemipepsis Ustulata (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Authors

John Alcock, Arizona State University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Behavior

Volume

71

Publication Date

1-1-1979

First Page

322

Last Page

335

Abstract

This paper analyzes the territorial behaviour of males of the tarantula-hawk wasp Hemipepsis ustulata Dahlbom, expanding a previous note on this species (ALCOCK, 1978). I shall present data showing that variation in the size of males affects their ability to claim desirable territories. The importance of size in influencing the outcome of male competition has long been recognised in vertebrates ( e.g. GHISELIN, 1974) but has been much less well-documented in invertebrates ( but see HAMILTON et al., 1976; POTTER et al., 1976; ALCOCK et al., 1977a). This report will provide an additional example from the insects.

Recommended Citation

Alcock, John, "The Behavioural Consequences of Size Variation among Males of the Territorial Wasp Hemipepsis Ustulata (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)" (1979). A. Paper 79.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/79