The buzz about rot: direct evidence of Parachartergus pseudapicalis Willink, 1959 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini) foraging on carrion, revealed through Citizen science

Marcos Aragão; Alexandre Somavilla; Rodolpho Santos Telles Menezes; Marcio Luiz Oliveira

The buzz about rot: direct evidence of Parachartergus pseudapicalis Willink, 1959 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini) foraging on carrion, revealed through Citizen science

2025

Marcos Aragão | Alexandre Somavilla | Rodolpho Santos Telles Menezes | Marcio Luiz Oliveira

Social wasps are known for their opportunistic foraging behaviors, foraging on various resources such as live insects, plant fibers, and even carrion. While necrophagy is documented for some genera, it has not been previously confirmed for the genus Parachartergus. This study provides the first direct evidence of Parachartergus pseudapicalis exhibiting necrophagy, captured through Citizen science in Piedade, São Paulo, Brazil. A wasp was observed collecting tissue from a decomposing caterpillar, demonstrating opportunistic feeding behavior. The mandible structures of Parachartergus suggest adaptations for scavenging, aligning with those of other necrophagous genera. This record enhances our understanding of the genus's dietary flexibility, highlighting the role of Citizen science in contributing valuable data to future studies.

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