Taking the Sting Out of the Wasp Problem

Forest and Bird, Volume 21, Issue 1, 1 February 1990, Page 5

Taking the Sting Out of the Wasp Problem

Kay Clapperton

RE YOU INTERESTED in becoming a wasp collector for the DSIR? The department needs samples of wasps from as many locations in New Zealand as possible. Two new species of wasps have recently become established in New Zealand. The European common wasp, Vespula vulgaris, is now the most abundant wasp in South Island honeydew beech forests. It outcompetes our native birds and insects for food, and is driving away trampers, picnickers and fishermen. The Asian paper wasp, Polistes chinensis, first reported near Auckland in 1979, has now reached the South Island. We need to know if this insect predator can survive in our forests. In 1987, DSIR mounted a successful nationwide appeal for samples of wasps. Many Forest and Bird members were among the 3,700 wasp collectors we enlisted. The survey is being repeated this year to update knowledge of wasp species distributions. Scientists also need to find out what habitats the new species prefer, where they may outcompete the familiar German wasp, when and where each species cause the most problems. These are questions that must be answered before the DSIR can devise effective control strategies. If you would like to assist in this research project (the NZ Lottery Grants Board and the Department of Conservation are already assisting with funding), please swat as many wasps as possible (20 would be ideal) from any one location and place them in a crushproof container (eg. plastic film canister). You can send them by freepost (no stamp required). Please do NOT collect wasps from

or very close to a nest. If you sent us a sample in 1987, we hope you'll do so again — we do need repeat samples. We also need samples from areas that were not covered last time. We need the following information: * your name and address (so we can reply with thanks); * location of sample (eg. distance/ direction from closest town or NZMS map _ . reference); * date when you collected the sample; * habitat (eg. native bush, pasture, city, orchard); * altitude (if possible); * any

interesting observations on wasps. If you send us samples from more than one location, please keep them in different containers and provide separate information for each. © Send samples to: FREEPOST WASPS, DSIR, Private Bag, NELSON. Please do not bother your local DSIR or MAF office — direct ALL enquiries to: DSIR, PRIVATE BAG, NELSON. PH: (054) 81082.