POLISTINAE Meaning and
Definition
-
Polistinae refers to a subfamily of social wasps belonging to the family Vespidae, which includes several genera commonly known as paper wasps. These wasps are eusocial insects, forming organized colonies in which individuals have specialized roles and work cooperatively to ensure the survival and success of the colony.
Polistinae wasps are widely distributed across the world, with different species found in different regions depending on their habitat preferences. They are particularly diverse in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The name "paper wasps" refers to the construction of their characteristic nests, which are made from plant fibers mixed with saliva, forming a papery substance. These nests are typically suspended from branches, twigs, or other elevated surfaces.
Polistinae wasps are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring elongated bodies with narrow waists and long, slender legs. The coloration of these wasps can vary, but many species exhibit combinations of black, yellow, and brown markings.
While most Polistinae wasps are generally not considered aggressive or dangerous, they possess a venomous sting that they may use for self-defense if they feel threatened. However, they are generally beneficial to ecosystems as they help control populations of other insects, particularly pest species.
In summary, Polistinae is a subfamily of eusocial wasps known as paper wasps, characterized by their organized colonies, papery nests, and venomous sting.
Etymology of POLISTINAE
The word "Polistinae" is the scientific name for a subfamily of wasps known as paper wasps. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
- "Polistinae" is derived from the Greek word "polistes" (πολίστης), which means "citizen" or "resident of a city". This term refers to the wasps' common behavior of building nest colonies in urban or suburban areas.
- The suffix "-inae" is a taxonomical ending commonly used in biological classification to denote a subfamily. It is derived from Latin and is used to form the names of various taxonomical ranks.
Therefore, the word "Polistinae" can be understood as "citizen-like wasps", referring to their social behavior and tendency to build nests near human settlements.
