Polybia sericea (Olivier, 1792) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) predated by Thomisidae (Araneae) in an area of rocky field, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Trophic interactions among predators play a fundamental role in the ecological regulation and stability of ecosystems. Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae), such as Polybia sericea (Olivier, 1792), act as both predators and potential pollinators but
are also subject to predation by various taxa, including spiders. Here, we report the first record of P. sericea being preyed upon by a spider of the family Thomisidae in a rocky field ecosystem at Pico do Itambé State Park (PEPI), Minas Gerais State, Brazil, on September 12, 2024. The predation event occurred on a fertile shrubby Fabaceae plant, where the spider may have used camouflage to ambush the social wasp. This observation raises questions about the occurrence of ambush predation on social wasps, particularly on plants that offer food resources to these insects. Furthermore, this interaction may represent a case of intraguild competition, as both species can exploit similar food resources. Further studies are needed to assess the frequency of this trophic interaction in rocky field environments and its potential ecological implications, especially for social wasps, considering the numerous ecosystem services they provide.