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Changes in intraspecific social organization are of particular interest to sociobiologists, because an understanding of the genetic and ecological determinants of different social forms bears on the origins of sociality and mating isolation. The Southern Yellowjacket, Vespula squamosa (Drury), occurs as both polygyne and single queen nests. This study examined intra-caste size differences between both social forms of nests. Four polygyne and 13 single queen nests were collected from counties in Florida and Georgia. All single queen nests were one season old, whereas polygyne nests were at least 2 years old. The latter had significantly more workers per nest (p 0.72), whereas the lowest positive correlations were obtained between weight and all other measures of size (r < 0.64). Gynes of both social forms differed significantly in weight (p < 0.001) and thorax length (p < 0.04), whereas workers differed significantly for all six measures of size (p < 0.04 to p < 0.001).

Data are presented on range, density, and distribution of Hemileuca oliviae Cockerell in Chihuahua, Mexico. Populations were found near Cuauhtemoc, Anahuac, and at various locations between Chihuahua City and El Sueco, but were absent from overgrazed and agricultural lands, and grasslands in the Chihuahua Desert. Egg clusters were distributed randomly at a height of 21.2 ± 9.5 cm from the base of grass stems, primarily Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. Development of H. oliviae was asynchronous within and between sites. Sixth instars had a clumped distribution and a maximum recorded density of 24.44 per 100 m2