Hey, am I safe here? Nesting behavior of social wasps (Vespidae, Polistinae) associated with water bodies

Abstract

Nesting is crucial for the survival of social wasps and is influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors that affect the selection of nesting sites and substrates. Although some studies reported the presence of nests near aquatic environments, the factors behind this behavior remain unclear. This study aimed to report social wasp nesting near water bodies in different regions of Brazil between 2010 and 2025. Different species exhibited this behavior across various vegetation types and regions. It is hypothesized that nesting near water may function as a defense strategy against predators, especially ants, and offer easy access to water for biological needs. However, this strategy may also pose risks, as rising water levels can lead to colony loss by drowning, as observed in a case reported here. Further studies are necessary to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of nesting near aquatic environments in social wasps.