A wasp nest that is upside down and has a concealed entrance.
In a fascinating discovery, a new species of black and green social wasp, Ropalidia jemmae, has been found in the Ambohitantely and Ankafobe indigenous moist evergreen forests of Madagascar. This particular species stands out due to its unique upside-down nest design, which deviates from the traditional rounded, three-dimensional nests usually associated with its genus. The nests of Ropalidia jemmae appear like flattened pieces of grey-green lichen against tree trunks, with the entrance to each cell facing the trunk and the cell bases forming a flattened roof above, under which up to 30 adult wasps can hide.
Unlike other Ropalidia species that build hexagonal nests with easy access from the front, Ropalidia jemmae opts for a more inconspicuous and camouflaged approach. The flattened roof of its nest, constructed using lichen, makes it blend seamlessly with the tree trunk, resembling regular lichen growth. This clever camouflage strategy helps protect the nest from potential predators such as ants, beetles, other wasps, and birds that may seek to raid their brood.
The discovery of Ropalidia jemmae sheds light on the diverse adaptations and behaviors of wasp species, particularly in Madagascar, a region renowned for its unique and endemic biodiversity. With over 80% of its species found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is considered one of the world's last Edens, offering a treasure trove of undiscovered species. The forests of Ambohitantely and Ankafobe, where Ropalidia jemmae was found, are described as "tiny, fragmented biodiversity jewels" that house various endangered and endemic species, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect these valuable ecosystems.
The lead author and entomologist behind this discovery, Ozren Polašek, notes that the inverted nests of Ropalidia jemmae require more building material, time, and effort compared to traditional nest designs. This unique nesting behavior showcases the evolutionary ingenuity of these wasps in adapting to their environments and ensuring the safety of their colonies. The use of visual camouflage, such as the green patches on Ropalidia jemmae's body, further highlights the evolutionary pressures driving the development of these intricate survival mechanisms.
Interestingly, this discovery also unveils the parallel evolution of nest protection strategies in the Ropalidia genus, with Ropalidia amabala, found in South Africa, demonstrating a similar use of lichen to construct nests directly on tree trunks. Despite being geographically distant, these two species showcase convergent evolution in response to the shared need for visual concealment and protection from predators.
Overall, the discovery of Ropalidia jemmae and its unique nest architecture highlights the remarkable diversity and adaptive strategies employed by social wasp species. It underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in regions like Madagascar to preserve these extraordinary ecosystems and the fascinating species that call them home.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-024-00078-x
Unlike other Ropalidia species that build hexagonal nests with easy access from the front, Ropalidia jemmae opts for a more inconspicuous and camouflaged approach. The flattened roof of its nest, constructed using lichen, makes it blend seamlessly with the tree trunk, resembling regular lichen growth. This clever camouflage strategy helps protect the nest from potential predators such as ants, beetles, other wasps, and birds that may seek to raid their brood.
The discovery of Ropalidia jemmae sheds light on the diverse adaptations and behaviors of wasp species, particularly in Madagascar, a region renowned for its unique and endemic biodiversity. With over 80% of its species found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is considered one of the world's last Edens, offering a treasure trove of undiscovered species. The forests of Ambohitantely and Ankafobe, where Ropalidia jemmae was found, are described as "tiny, fragmented biodiversity jewels" that house various endangered and endemic species, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect these valuable ecosystems.
The lead author and entomologist behind this discovery, Ozren Polašek, notes that the inverted nests of Ropalidia jemmae require more building material, time, and effort compared to traditional nest designs. This unique nesting behavior showcases the evolutionary ingenuity of these wasps in adapting to their environments and ensuring the safety of their colonies. The use of visual camouflage, such as the green patches on Ropalidia jemmae's body, further highlights the evolutionary pressures driving the development of these intricate survival mechanisms.
Interestingly, this discovery also unveils the parallel evolution of nest protection strategies in the Ropalidia genus, with Ropalidia amabala, found in South Africa, demonstrating a similar use of lichen to construct nests directly on tree trunks. Despite being geographically distant, these two species showcase convergent evolution in response to the shared need for visual concealment and protection from predators.
Overall, the discovery of Ropalidia jemmae and its unique nest architecture highlights the remarkable diversity and adaptive strategies employed by social wasp species. It underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in regions like Madagascar to preserve these extraordinary ecosystems and the fascinating species that call them home.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-024-00078-x
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