Back Belonogaster petiolata CEB Belonogaster petiolata Hausa Belonogaster petiolata Russian Belonogaster petiolata Swedish Belonogaster petiolata WAR
| Belonogaster petiolata | |
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| Belonogaster petiolata nests | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Subfamily: | Polistinae |
| Tribe: | Ropalidiini |
| Genus: | Belonogaster |
| Species: | B. petiolata
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| Binomial name | |
| Belonogaster petiolata (De Geer, 1778)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Belonogaster petiolata is a species of primitively eusocial wasp that dwells in southern Africa, in temperate or subhumid climate zones. This wasp species has a strong presence in South Africa and has also been seen in northern Johannesburg. Many colonies can be found in caves. The Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa, for example, contain large populations of B. petiolata.[2]
This species primarily eats small insects, especially caterpillars, which are considered its "solid food", while nectar is its liquid food. It also requires water for survival.[3]
- ^ Genus Belonogaster de Saussure. Catalog of Species in the Polistine Tribe Ropalidiini (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).
- ^ Keeping, Malcolm G. "Social Behavior and Brood Decline in Reproductive-phase Colonies Of Belonogaster Petiolata (Degeer) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)." Journal of Insect Behavior 10.2 (1997): 265-78. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
- ^ Keeping, Malcolm G. "Social Organization and Division of Labour in Colonies of the Polistine Wasp, Belonogaster Petiolata." Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 31.3 (1992): n. pag. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
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