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WILDFLOWER PREFERENCE OF SCOLIID WASPS IN THE COSTAL PLAINS OF EASTERN GEORGIA

Abstract

Scoliid wasps are important pollinators for sandy, nutrient poor ecosystems due to their ability to tolerate high heat and low resource environments, yet their floral color preferences are not well known. This study examined the color preference and the wildflower preference of pollinators in the coastal plains of eastern Georgia. The study used nine plots with wildflower enrichment strips inside the plots and on the edges of the plots. Over 20 species of wildflowers (e.g. Monarda punctata, Gaillardia aristata, Coreopsis lanceolata) were used. Plots were sampled 10-12 times a year using pan traps (UV-yellow, UV-blue, and white pan trap,) and vane traps (yellow and blue). Wasp – Flower visual observations were also performed each field sampling day. Three species of scoliid wasps (Campsomeris plumipes fossulana, Campsomeris quadrimaculata, and Scolia nobilitata) were collected and observed. All three species demonstrated a clear preference for blue traps and flowers. Campsomeris plumipes fossulana was the most abundant Scollid wasp making up over 80% of the Scoliid abundance. The wasps exhibiting disproportionately high visitation to Monarda punctata. These results suggest that color, particularly blue, plays a significant role in Scoliid wasp foraging behavior. Blue color wildflowers should be part of future wildflower restoration or pollinator-support strategies that involve Scoliid wasps.

Acknowledgements

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grants # OS22 -150 and OS 24 -172.

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