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Combined effect of ENSO and SAM on the population dynamics of the invasive yellowjacket wasp in central Chile

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Population Ecology

Abstract

The population dynamics of the yellowjacket wasp (Vespula germanica Fabricus) in central Chile were analyzed for the first time. Using a simple Ricker logistic model and adding the effects of local weather variables (temperature and precipitation) and large-scale climate phenomena as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), we modeled the interannual fluctuations in nest density. The best model according to the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) included 1-year-lag negative feedback combined with the positive additive effects of ENSO and SAM. According to this model, yellowjacket nest density was favored by warm and dry winters, which probably influenced the survival of overwintering queens. Large-scale climatic variables [Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and SAM] described the effect of exogenous factors in wasp fluctuations better than local weather variables did. Our results emphasize the usefulness of climate indices and simple theoretical-based models in insect ecological research.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the operators, forest rangers, and staff of the National Forestry Corporation, Metropolitan Region (CONAF RM) who collected the data for 12 years, especially to Mr. Luis Ulloa and Mr. José Barrera. S.E. acknowledges the financial support of the CONICYT Doctoral scholarship. S.E. and M.L. acknowledge financial support from FONDAP-FONDECYT grant 1501-0001 (Program 2).

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  1. Center for Advanced Studies in Ecology and Biodiversity, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, Santiago, 6513677, Chile

    Sergio A. Estay & Mauricio Lima

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  1. Sergio A. Estay
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  2. Mauricio Lima
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Correspondence to Sergio A. Estay.

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Estay, S.A., Lima, M. Combined effect of ENSO and SAM on the population dynamics of the invasive yellowjacket wasp in central Chile. Popul Ecol 52, 289–294 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10144-009-0179-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10144-009-0179-8

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