Vespa simillima (Smith)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Carpenter, James M., 2012, The Vespinae of North America (Vespidae, Hymenoptera), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 28, pp. 37-65 : 44-45

Vespa simillima (Smith) Figs 3, 8 28

Vespa simillima Smith 1868:280. Holotype female; Japan: Hakodadi (LONDON).

Vespa mongolica André 1884:lix. Syntype male, female; "Wladivostock, sur l’Amour, dans la Sibérie orientale" (western Russia) (PARIS).

Vespa xanthoptera Cameron 1903:278. Holotype male: Japan: Michzusawa (LONDON).

Vespa micado Cameron 1903:279. Holoytpe female; Japan: Nagasaki (LONDON).

Vespa mongolica var. sexpunctata Pérez 1905:79. Holotype female; Japan: Yokohama (PARIS).

Vespa mongolica var. flavata Pérez 1910:17. Holotype female; “Chine” (PARIS).

Distribution.

This East Asian species was introduced into British Columbia, Canada but has apparently not become established. We have included it in this review because of the potential for a reintroduction.

Biology.

Nests are built in a wide variety of situations including in bushes, underground cavities, hollow trees, under eaves, in attics, on rock walls, and in wall voids. As with the other Vespa species affinis is predatory on other insects, including honey bees.

Figures

Figures 2 - 13. 11 - 12 Front view of face 5 - 7 Dorsal view of head 8 - 10 Lateral view of head 11 Dorsal view of thorax 12, 13 Lateral view of male metasomal tergum VII.

Figures 26 - 37. Dorsal view of worker metasoma.