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Table 3 Timeline of developments in wasp-rearing practices from 1916-2013

From: Nested Houses: Domestication dynamics of human–wasp relations in contemporary rural Japan

Year

Development

1916

Keeping wasps in hives over the summer months: The first known mention of the use of hive boxes to keep social wasps appears in a magazine.

1990

Collaborative raising of multiple nests in a single purpose-built house: The first known ‘hebo house’ is built and used in Ishino, Aichi prefecture.

 

Competitive showcasing of reared nests and information exchange: The first wasp nest contest is held in Shitara, Aichi prefecture. This was also broadcast on television and reported in national newspapers.

1994-1995

Keeping hibernating queens in protective boxes over the winter months: First known to be done successfully by Miyake Naome in Kushihara.

 

Nationwide wasp contest begins: Held in Kushihara, attracting both local and non-local participants.

1994: Winning nest 2.9 kg, 52 participants

1995: Winning nest 3.6 kg

1997

Nationwide Japan Vespula Society founded: The first annual summit meeting held in Kushihara, with 12 groups from 5 prefectures. Participants shared information and experiences regarding wasp care.

2006 -2013

Results of Kushihara wasp nest contests suggest rearing practices have led to increases in the weight of the winning nests and in contest participants, compared to the early contests (there is not sufficient data from earlier years to test whether this difference is significant):

2006: Winning nest 7.7 kg.

2008: Winning nest 7.8 kg, average 1.9 kg, 140 participants

2009: Winning nest 6.0 kg, average 2.1 kg, 137 participants

2011: Winning nest 6.0 kg, average 2.2 kg, 140 participants

2012: Winning nest 6.5 kg, average 2.2 kg, 95 participants

2013: Winning nest 5.0 kg, average 1.8 kg, 130 participants