Examining Strepsipteran Parasitism of Polistes Metricus Wasps
Faculty Mentor
Jennifer Zettler
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Abstract
Strepsiptera are obligate parasites of wasps, often appearing in the Genus Polistes. The parasites pupate in the host’s abdomen and reduce reproductive capabilities of infected hosts. This research seeks to evaluate and understand the trends of infection of Strepsiptera in Polistes metricus wasps. Individual forager wasps and nests are collected and frozen to prepare for dissection. The wasps are separated at the thorax and the whole abdomen is weighed. The abdomen is dissected under a microscope, and any parasitic pupa are removed, sexed, and weighed. Findings indicate that about 47%(8 /17) of all dissected wasps were infected with Strepsiptera. Of the adults infected, five were parasitized by two or more Strepsipterans. 4/7 of the adult female wasps were infected, and 4/8 of the adult males were infected. In conclusion, these findings indicate a significant presence of Strepsiptera in P. metricus individuals and colonies. The high probability of infection in social wasp colonies could negatively impact reproductive potential for P. metricus wasp colonies. Future research should focus on reproductive potential of individuals such as the presence/absence/reduction of reproductive organs.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Sparks, Felipe Jr., "Examining Strepsipteran Parasitism of Polistes Metricus Wasps" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 37.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/37
Examining Strepsipteran Parasitism of Polistes Metricus Wasps
Savannah Ballroom
Strepsiptera are obligate parasites of wasps, often appearing in the Genus Polistes. The parasites pupate in the host’s abdomen and reduce reproductive capabilities of infected hosts. This research seeks to evaluate and understand the trends of infection of Strepsiptera in Polistes metricus wasps. Individual forager wasps and nests are collected and frozen to prepare for dissection. The wasps are separated at the thorax and the whole abdomen is weighed. The abdomen is dissected under a microscope, and any parasitic pupa are removed, sexed, and weighed. Findings indicate that about 47%(8 /17) of all dissected wasps were infected with Strepsiptera. Of the adults infected, five were parasitized by two or more Strepsipterans. 4/7 of the adult female wasps were infected, and 4/8 of the adult males were infected. In conclusion, these findings indicate a significant presence of Strepsiptera in P. metricus individuals and colonies. The high probability of infection in social wasp colonies could negatively impact reproductive potential for P. metricus wasp colonies. Future research should focus on reproductive potential of individuals such as the presence/absence/reduction of reproductive organs.
