Comparison of capture characteristics between Malaise and bait traps for monitoring vespine wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

The capture quantity and species composition of vespine wasps were compared between Malaise traps (MT) and bait (orange juice mixed with liquor) traps (BT) in six secondary broad-leaved tree stands of different ages in central Japan. MTs and BTs captured a total of 99 vespines of 6 species and 918 of 8, respectively, during the spring (May to June) and fall (August to October) collection periods. BTs captured significantly more vespines than MTs in the youngest stand in the spring and in all six stands during the fall period. Proportions of Vespa to Vespula specimens were much larger in BTs than in BTs. Overall, BTs is an effective way to compare vespine species diversity and abundance among different sites, if we use them taking into account its low attractiveness to certain groups including Dolichovespula.