Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Polistes species

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 13-04-2008 13:29
#1
I'm becoming confused with Polistes species. I read somewhere that P. dominulus and P. gallicus should be considered as the same species. Also, I have no idea if having green or black compound eyes occurs in the same species or it is a sign of gender. Here are three pictures I have classified as P. dominulus but I doubt it is right.

Thanks, Christian Wink

Joaquim Gaspar

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 13-04-2008 13:30
#2
... the second one, which is much smaller than the first
Edited by Alvesgaspar on 13-04-2008 13:30

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 13-04-2008 13:31
#3
... and the last one

Posted by Christian Schmid-Egger on 13-04-2008 19:49
#4
Polistes gallicus and dominulus are two species. Above, you found 2 males, below a female. Photo ID of males is not really possible, below may be a female of dominulus (but I am not really sure). Males always have an all yellow face, females a black/yellow color pattern.

Regards, Christian

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 13-04-2008 21:52
#5
Thank you, Christian. Thus, you confirm that all males of P. gallicus and P. dominulus have green eyes and yellow faces?
Joaquim

Posted by Christian Schmid-Egger on 14-04-2008 06:45
#6
All Polistes males have yellow faces, and green eyes is an effect of special light and may occur in many wasp species. So a species recognition is not possible for me. But gallicus and dominulus are the most probable species.

Christian

Posted by Christian Schmid-Egger on 15-04-2008 18:41
#7
I had a new, more detailed look to your wasps. The female is surely a Polistes gallicus (former foederatus). For males, gallicus also is the most probable possiblity, by form of head and clypeus. As I told, ID by photos is difficult, but i am quite sure.
If you agree, I will use these photos for your gallery.

Regards, Christian