Factors Influencing the Abundance of the European Wasp (Para Vespula Germ a Nic a [F.])

The annual abundance of P. germanica nests within a denned area was found to be correlated with autumn and spring rainfall during the period of queen production and nest establishment respectively. Although rain, as such, influenced wasp survival, evidence is presented to suggest that nesting success was dependent on the indigenous protein supply during the queening period and/or its effects on the vigour of overwintering nests.