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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Nematoda Class: Secernentea Order: Tylenchida Family: Sphaerularidae Genus: Sphaerularia Species: S. vespae

Introduction
Sphaerularia vespae is an endoparasite that infects the Japanese yellow hornet, Vespa simillima. Parasitic nematodes of the genus Sphaerularia are known to infect and sterilize the overwintering gynes (potential queens) of bumblebees.

Lifecycle
The behavior of queens of V. simillima parasitized by S. vespae closely resembles that of bumblebee queens parasitized by ''S. bombi. S. vespae'' invades and resides in the gaster (abdomen) of female hornets where it grows and develop. The nematode ends up sterilizing the host and turning the host into a cozy nursery for baby worms.

Pathology
Hornet queens are more likely to get caught in bait traps when infected with S. vespae compared to uninfected hornets. Hornets not infected with S. vespae usually visit various decayed logs in the forest in order to find a spot to hibernate. Once a suitable area is found, she makes a nest by lining it with plant fibers. However, queens that have been parasitized and sterilized by S. vespae begin searching for decaying logs much earlier in the summer. Nematode-infected queens do not dig or gather nesting material, but rather enter a decayed log and after a short time, fly off. Since they have become sterilized couriers, the queens visit potential hibernation sites only to deposit the infant-stage S. vespae parasite. In the months of May and June, queen hornets are mostly infected with fully-mature female worms and their eggs. Whereas, in the months of July and August infected hornets are filled with juvenile worms that are ready to infect a new host. Late summer happens to be the time when parasitized queens begin searching for potential hibernation sites. S. vespae uses the hornet during the summer to find the best suited areas of forest, in order to drop off worms that wait for an uninfected hornet queen to come and nest for winter. S. vespae takes advantage of the behavior that queen hornets seek out hibernation sites and turn it on at a different time of year to suit the parasite’s own offspring developmental schedule.

Reference
1. Sayama, K., Kosaka, H. , & Makino, S. (2007). The first record of infection and sterilization by the nematode sphaerularia in hornets (hymenoptera, vespidae, vespa ).Insectes Sociaux, 54(1), 53-55.

2. Sayama, K., Kosaka, H. , & Makino, S. (2013). Release of juvenile nematodes at hibernation sites by overwintered queens of the hornet vespa simillima. Insectes Sociaux, 60(3), 383-388.