Abstract

CASSIO DE SOUSA OLIVEIRA, Glauco et al. Foraging behavior of social wasps on jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) in urban area of Southeast Brazil. Investig. Agrar. [online]. 2025, vol.27, n.1, e2701832.  Epub June 30, 2025. ISSN 2305-0683.  https://doi.org/10.18004/investig.agrar.2025.2701832.

Although frequently observed, the use of fruit as a food source by social wasps in fruit crops requires further study, as some of these insects can act as pests by damaging fruit. To investigate this interaction, we monitored the foraging behavior of social wasps on a jaboticaba tree (Plinia cauliflora (Mart.)) throughout a complete reproductive cycle. We recorded 13 wasp species feeding on the fruit; however, despite the potential for damage, we recommend deterring wasps only during fruit ripening. Further studies should assess whether jaboticaba fruit consumption by wasps causes significant economic damage.

Keywords : Fruits; Herbivory; Myrtaceae; Vespidae.

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