An inverted wasp nest with a secret entrance.
A new species of social wasp, Ropalidia jemmae, has been discovered in Madagascar with unique nesting behavior, breaking away from the traditional design of its genus. Unlike other Ropalidia species that build three-dimensional nests with hexagonal cells, Ropalidia jemmae constructs flattened 'upside down' nests against a tree trunk. The entrance of each nest cell faces the tree trunk, with the cell bases forming a flat 'roof' pointing skywards. This inverted nest design is a rare phenomenon, with only some American wasp species displaying similar behavior.
The use of lichen in nest construction serves a dual purpose for Ropalidia jemmae. It not only provides structural support but also camouflages the nest, making it blend seamlessly with the tree bark. The flattened roof of the nest further enhances its inconspicuousness, making it appear like a regular lichen growth. This strategic use of lichen helps protect the wasps' brood from potential predators like ants, beetles, other wasps, and birds.
The discovery of Ropalidia jemmae sheds light on the biodiversity of Madagascar, a country renowned for its unique flora and fauna. Madagascar is often referred to as one of the world's last Edens, with over 80% of its species found nowhere else on Earth. The country's forests, such as the Ambohitantely and Ankafobe forests where Ropalidia jemmae was found, are crucial habitats for numerous endemic and endangered species.
The study of Ropalidia jemmae was a collaborative effort involving entomologists like Ozren Polašek and field researchers like Len de Beer and Sarobidy Rakotonarivo. De Beer and Rakotonarivo stumbled upon the new species during their exploration of the Ankafobe forest and documented their findings on the citizen science platform iNaturalist. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Madagascar's rich biodiversity and protecting species like Ropalidia jemmae from the threat of extinction.
Furthermore, another related species, Ropalidia amabala, was discovered in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, exhibiting similar nesting behavior using lichen. Despite the geographical distance, both species share common traits in nest construction and camouflage strategies, indicating convergent evolution in nest protection mechanisms.
The findings from these studies underscore the need for continued research and conservation efforts to safeguard unique species like Ropalidia jemmae and Ropalidia amabala. As biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar face increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change, preserving these ecosystems is crucial to prevent the rapid decline of newly discovered species. The intricate adaptations and behaviors of these wasps showcase the natural wonders of our planet and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
(Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-024-00078-x)
The use of lichen in nest construction serves a dual purpose for Ropalidia jemmae. It not only provides structural support but also camouflages the nest, making it blend seamlessly with the tree bark. The flattened roof of the nest further enhances its inconspicuousness, making it appear like a regular lichen growth. This strategic use of lichen helps protect the wasps' brood from potential predators like ants, beetles, other wasps, and birds.
The discovery of Ropalidia jemmae sheds light on the biodiversity of Madagascar, a country renowned for its unique flora and fauna. Madagascar is often referred to as one of the world's last Edens, with over 80% of its species found nowhere else on Earth. The country's forests, such as the Ambohitantely and Ankafobe forests where Ropalidia jemmae was found, are crucial habitats for numerous endemic and endangered species.
The study of Ropalidia jemmae was a collaborative effort involving entomologists like Ozren Polašek and field researchers like Len de Beer and Sarobidy Rakotonarivo. De Beer and Rakotonarivo stumbled upon the new species during their exploration of the Ankafobe forest and documented their findings on the citizen science platform iNaturalist. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Madagascar's rich biodiversity and protecting species like Ropalidia jemmae from the threat of extinction.
Furthermore, another related species, Ropalidia amabala, was discovered in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, exhibiting similar nesting behavior using lichen. Despite the geographical distance, both species share common traits in nest construction and camouflage strategies, indicating convergent evolution in nest protection mechanisms.
The findings from these studies underscore the need for continued research and conservation efforts to safeguard unique species like Ropalidia jemmae and Ropalidia amabala. As biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar face increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change, preserving these ecosystems is crucial to prevent the rapid decline of newly discovered species. The intricate adaptations and behaviors of these wasps showcase the natural wonders of our planet and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
(Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-024-00078-x)
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