The anti-predator strategies of Parachartergus apicalis (Vespidae: Polistinae)

The Neotropical wasp Parachartergus apicalis has developed different anti-predation tactics. As concerns vertebrates, stinging, the principal dissuasive device, is complemented by the aposematic effect of the wasps themselves, and more than likely, the harmonious form of the wasp nest whose color contrasts with that of its support, As concerns ants, the principal predators of wasps, and among them army ants in the Neotropics, the wasp nest is protected by (1) its envelope; (2) different alarm signals; (3) the possibility of an effective counterattack against a small section of a column of ants; and, especially, (4) its association with ants of the genera Pseudomyrmex. The wasp Mischocyttarus atramentarius, which has small populations, forages in the same zones as P. apicalis. By using Mullerian mimicry of the aposematic effect of P. apicalis, M. atramentarius is protected against vertebrates.