The faunistic studies and ecological observations on vespidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) species of mediterranean region in Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine faunistic features and seasonal distributions of Vespidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) found in Mediterranean region of Turkey. Field studies were performed between May and October months in 2019-2021. As a result of the field studies, a total of 3,203 specimens were collected, including 1,789 specimens from the Vespinae subfamily, 985 specimens from the Polistinae subfamily, and 429 specimens from the Eumeninae subfamily of the Vespidae family. Adult insects were captured with the aid of sweep net; after they were killed in potassium cyanide-plaster mix killing bottles, they were turned into the collection material and examined. Literature was used for the identification and classification of the species. The results were also discussed from the systematic and faunistic standpoint. With this study, 24 species and subspecies distributed in the Mediterranean Region were identified and contributed to the Hymenoptera fauna of Turkey.