Attraction of Wasp and Bumblebee Lures

The introduced common wasp, Vespula vulgaris, is causing problems around the world, particularly on New Zealand. The wasps have big effects on the native animal life and the community structure. One research group on New Zealand has tried out a lure that attracts Vespula spp. In this study, this lure was tested to see if the wasps in Sweden are attracted to the same chemical signals as the wasps on New Zealand. In a subproject, a bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) lure was also tested. Delta traps with different lures were placed in two different habitats near Kalmar. During ten weeks, only five wasps and no bumblebees were trapped. At this stage it was decided to investigate which insects that had been caught and the results were focused on the butterflies (Lepidoptera) caught. Over all, more butterflies were caught on Öland than in Kalmar both in traps containing the wasp and bumblebee lures. When comparing wasp and bumblebee lures, the highest number of butterflies was caught in traps containing the bumblebee lure. The reasons for the low catches of wasp and bumblebee are discussed. The catches of butterflies are also discussed