Technique for rearing the European hornet (Vespa crabro) through an entirecolony life cycle in captivity

Laboratory rearing of wasps was studied in the European hornet Vespa crabro . Males (N = 10) and gynes (N = 13) were obtained from two field-caught col onies. Mating took place in cages (mean number of 1.31 +/- 0.63 matings per gyne) and overwintering in a cool room at 10 degreesC. Five gynes survived and one queen successfully established a nest that produced sexuals, This is first time that the entire colony life cycle of V. crabro has occurred i n captivity. The technique will be useful in vespine research as well as in conservation and breeding programs.