The first record of infection and sterilization by the nematode Sphaerularia in hornets (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Vespa)

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Sphaerularia are known to infect and sterilize the overwintering gynes (potential queens) of bumblebees.We found that 70% of the overwintered gynes of the hornet Vespa simillima collected using bait traps were infected and sterilized by Sphaerularia sp. This is the first solid record of parasitism by Sphaerularia in hornets (Vespa spp.).