Belonogaster (belone - "needle", gaster - "belly") is a large genus of mainly Afrotropical quasisocial wasps, although some species occur in Arabia and two extend as far as India.[2] They have characteristics of both the eusocial and the solitary wasps.[3] Belonogaster constructs communal paper nests where the grubs are fed on masticated, soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars.[4] The type species is Belonogaster juncea,[4] which consists of two subspecies: Belonogaster juncea colonialis and Belonogaster juncea juncea.[5] Belanogaster wasps are an important food source for wintering European honey buzzards (Pernis apivorus) in sub-Saharan Africa.[6] In African traditional medicine, wasps of the genus are cooked with plant roots and consumed to cure various childhood sicknesses, as well as having ceremonial use similar to that of honey bees (Apis mellifera).[7] Some birds choose to build their nests near the nests of Belonogaster for protection, including mousebirds and weavers.[8]
The following species are included:[4]
Belonogaster (belone - "needle", gaster - "belly") is a large genus of mainly Afrotropical quasisocial wasps, although some species occur in Arabia and two extend as far as India. They have characteristics of both the eusocial and the solitary wasps. Belonogaster constructs communal paper nests where the grubs are fed on masticated, soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars. The type species is Belonogaster juncea, which consists of two subspecies: Belonogaster juncea colonialis and Belonogaster juncea juncea. Belanogaster wasps are an important food source for wintering European honey buzzards (Pernis apivorus) in sub-Saharan Africa. In African traditional medicine, wasps of the genus are cooked with plant roots and consumed to cure various childhood sicknesses, as well as having ceremonial use similar to that of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Some birds choose to build their nests near the nests of Belonogaster for protection, including mousebirds and weavers.
Belonogaster de Saussure, 1854
Belonogaster (лат.) — род общественных ос подсемейства Polistinae.
Стройные крупные или среднего размера осы с вытянутым телом (желтоватым, красно-коричневым и буровато-чёрным), длинным стебельком между грудкой и брюшком. Длина около 2—3 см (Belonogaster vasseae до 48 мм). Клипеус светлый (белый, жёлтый). Имеют 5 максиллярных щупиков и 3 лабиальных[1][2].
Африка (55 видов), Мадагаскар и Коморские острова (27 видов), Ближний Восток (Аравия — Йемен, 5 видов), Индия (1 вид).
Более 80 видов.[3] Относится к трибе Ropalidiini.
Belonogaster (лат.) — род общественных ос подсемейства Polistinae.
