This article explores the possible reasons for inbreeding in the Hunting Wasp, E. forammatus, and weighs the advantages vs the disadvantages of this type of reproduction. The nesting and mating habits of the wasp were observed using trap nest consisting of drilled holes in sticks. The number of sibling mating (inbreeding) events and outbreeding events were listed in a chart indicating that inbreeding occurred about two-fifths of the time. Cowan indicates that inbreeding ensured that the number of offspring would always be plentiful, with the offspring maintaining many of the important attributes of their mother. This, in his opinion, seemed to outweigh the disadvantage of less genetic variability and evolutionary adaptability in the offspring.
