ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the early development of two vespine wasp colonies, one of Vespula germanica and one of V. vidua. These species are at opposite ends of the spectrum of vespine biology. The chapter summarizes the comparative early growth of the two colonies as an interesting paradox: despite equivalent rates of eclosion from first generation cells, total production of the V. germanica colony nevertheless far exceeded that of the V. vidua colony at the time of analysis. Despite the shortcomings of this mainly qualitative survey, major differences between the two colonies were readily apparent. The colony's foraging spectrum only expanded substantially in mid-July. Since hunting for prey is one of the most arduous, time-consuming worker tasks, a longer adult life span and the ability to maintain greater numbers of brood might both be a consequence of the more efficient foraging behavior of V. germanica.
