Predation of Papilio xuthus Larvae by Polistes Wasps in Relation to the Colony Development of the Principal Predator, Polistes jadwigae DALLA TORRE (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Predation of the larvae of Papilio xuthus LINNÉ by Polistes wasps, such as P. jadwigae and P. chinensis antennalis was frequently observed in July and August in a small citrus grove of Fukuoka. Such a heavy predation could be synchronized with the peak of the biomass of 3rd to 5th instar larvae of P. jadwigae in the nest.