A contribution to insect studies in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia: Vespid wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

摘要

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve remains poorly studied for invertebrates, especiallyfor vespid wasps. A total of 14 vespid species belonging to seven genera of thesubfamily Eumeninae were recorded from diff erent habitats (rocky outcrops,springs, tall vegetation habitats, shrub-lands and short grass steppes) in the naturereserve during three-year studies (2015-2017). These species represent 27 percentof the vespid fauna of the desert-steppe zone of Mongolia. We found the highestspecies richness in areas where water was available (near springs and wells), andthe lowest richness in habitats with tall vegetation. Among the diff erent habitattypes, vespid species composition was most similar (91% shared species) betweenrocky outcrops and spring habitats. Six vespid species range from Kazakhstanto Mongolian, and one species is sub-endemic to Mongolia. Availability of watersources and nesting sites were possibly the main factors infl uencing the distributionof vespid wasps. It is necessary to conduct comprehensive research into the insectcommunity of Ikh Nart Nature Reserve.